Peggy Ann Switzer

Peggy Switzer passed away peacefully at Via Christi Village in Manhattan, Kansas on August 23, 2022. She was born to Jess and Neva (Rees) Kellogg on May 25, 1934 in Council Grove, Kansas.  

Peggy grew up in Council Grove with her parents, two sisters, Janet and Marge and a younger brother, Larry. Her dad worked at the train depot and mom owned a beauty salon. At the age of ten, Peggy lost her mother to breast cancer. Janet and Marge were helpful in raising her and Larry. Peggy had fond memories of her Grandma Rees who lived next door and took care of the children as well. 

Peggy married Guy Switzer on December 31, 1955. Almost five years later, they welcomed their first son, Kelly. He was premature and had to stay in the hospital for two months. During this time, Guy moved to Sunnyvale California and began working at Lockheed Martin. Peggy and Kelly followed as soon as it was safe to travel. They moved to Milpitas after the first year and were blessed with two more sons, Scott and Ray.  Peggy stayed home to raise the boys. They enjoyed their 18 years in California and had wonderful memories. Peggy and Guy decided to move their family back to Kansas in 1978, where they settled in Dwight. Their sons married and the family continued to grow. They shared many happy years together until Guy passed away from lung/bone cancer on June 30, 1998. 

Peggy began dating Melvin Wandersee. They were married on September 26, 1999. He was a good companion to her until he passed away on April 15, 2019. 

Ray, Peggy’s youngest son, passed away from pancreatic cancer on October 13, 2018. After losing Ray and Melvin, Peggy’s dementia accelerated. She had to be placed in a nursing facility in January 2020, where she lived until her passing.

During her lifetime, Peggy worked as a legal aide and teacher’s aide. She was very active in the church, where she taught Sunday School.  She volunteered at many church, school and community activities.  However, Peggy said her most important job was being a stay-at-home mom to her boys while they were growing up in Milpitas. She was a wonderful grandma and great-grandma as well. They were all very blessed to have her!

Family and friends described Peggy as being a sweet lady with a gentle soul. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She was gracious, artistic, hard-working, helpful, kind, thoughtful, and feisty (in her later years).  She had a positive attitude and loved every day.  Peggy will always be treasured!

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Neva Kellog; two sisters, Janet Yancey and Marge Ingmire; husbands, Guy Switzer and Melvin Wandersee; and son, Ray Switzer.  

Peggy is survived by her brother, Larry Kellogg, of St. Petersburg, FL; her sons, Kelly (Kathy) Switzer of Salina, Scott (Pam) Switzer of Dwight, and daughter-in-law, Brenda Switzer, of Dwight. Her grandchildren are Emily (Dusty) Spittles, Jessica (Brandon) Maxwell, TJ (Jenny) Switzer, Dillon (Liz) Switzer, Abby (David) Hein, Ally Switzer, Adam and Matthew Weibe.  Great-grandchildren include Lauryn Maxwell, Elana, Kyzer and Gavin Spittles; Emerson, Charlotte and Brody Switzer; Isaac, Noah and Raelynn Switzer; Hayden and Easton Hein.

The family will hold a visitation on Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 6:00-7:30 PM at Sawyer Funeral Home in Council Grove, KS.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Dwight Cemetery in Dwight, KS.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.