Peggy Eckel, age, 81, of Wytheville, VA passed away December 21, 2021 after a long battle of dementia related illnesses. Peggy was born in 1940 in Elk Creek VA to Minor and Beliesa Vaught, the 12th of 15 children. Peggy was honored as her high school Home Coming Queen and Graduated from Bluefield Community College where she met her first husband, Elmer Edmonds. They settled in Fredericksburg VA, where they raised their daughter, Myra Edmonds of Bristol TN and son, Keith (Angela) Edmonds of Kuna ID, who survive her. Peggy was a dedicated homemaker and expert seamstress, but her greatest joy was raising her children. Peggy prided herself in making the home the best it could be. Her homemade sour-dough bread was legendary among family and friends. If you received a loaf of her bread, it was because she loved you and wanted to lift your spirits. Peggy married her second husband, Robert Eckel and eventually was able to retire and move back to Elk Creek, VA to be near friends and family. Peggy is also survived by her grandson, Austin (Ninnel) Edmonds, Andrew Edmonds, sister Anne Carter, brothers Dan (Elouise) Vaught, David (Frances) Vaught and Lester (Linda) Vaught. Peggy also has numerous nieces and nephews that she loved very much. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held on December 29, 2021at 1:00 PM at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel in Independence, VA with the Rev. Jim Vaught officiating.  The family will receive friend from 12:30-1:00 Pm prior to the funeral.  Committal services and burial will follow at the Jerusalem Church, Elk Creek, VA.

Peggy was a strong pro-life proponent and in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to https://birthright.org/get-involved.