Obituary published on Legacy.com by Spurgeon Funeral Home - Brownstown on Aug. 28, 2025.
Peggy Jean Hehman, age 68, of Brownstown, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. After months of fighting, Peggy finally won her battle against Acute Myloid Leukemia and now sits at the feet of Jesus. Peggy was blessed to live 37 years in her home on Old Vallonia Road with her husband, Roger, of 47 years, where they raised their two children: Ryan (Amy) Hehman of Vallonia, and Melanie (Brian Dodd) Hehman of Vallonia. The greatest joys of Peggy's life were her grandchildren: Halle (Jacob) Wischmeier, Parker Hehman, Graeme Hehman, Roshaun Hehman, Melanie Ault, Jackson Ault, Madi Ault, Evey Dodd, Gabe Dodd, and Cora Dodd; great-grandson, Henry Wischmeier; nieces and nephews and their families: Tami (Barry) Hall, Tina (Greg) Benton, Shannon (Rob) Cummings, Sherman (Allicia) McElfresh, Kacy McElfresh, Mendy (Bruce) Stahl, Ginger (Wes) Breeding, Jon Jackson, J.L. (Bethany) McElfresh, Travis McElfresh, Jason (Carla) Hehman, Jamison (Amy) Benton, and Jasmine Hehman; best friend, Cindy Gray; and several great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she leaves on this earth. Peggy will join in heaven with her parents, Sherman and Catherine McElfresh; brothers: Sherman McElfresh, Jr. and Jerry McElfresh; sister, Cathy Darlage; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Joan Hehman; brothers-in-law: Jeff Hehman and Jack Frederick Hehman; and grandson, Andrew Dodd. Peggy believed she lived in the best community one could ask for. She felt some of the most caring and compassionate people live here and are part of what makes this small town of Brownstown so special and unique. Most of the time, you could find Peggy in the bleachers of a gymnasium watching basketball, football, volleyball or softball, and sometimes all four in one day. Roger, aka Poppy, and Peggy loved chasing the grands and watching them compete in the sports they loved. There were no prouder grandparents in the stands. Speaking of being proud, Peggy and Roger were fortunate enough to have two grandchildren win state championships – Halle in volleyball in 2019 and Parker in basketball in 2024. Helping them celebrate was another great joy of Peggy's life. There were very few sporting events her and Roger did not attend. One could always find them in the bleachers somewhere. Death at age 68 and retiring at age 66 was not in Peggy's five-year plan or even her ten-year plan. One of the most important lessons Peggy's journey taught her was that our plans and God's plans rarely align. Peggy wanted everyone to remember when you are making plans for your future, the plans really are tentative. Peggy loved her job. Her great-nephew, Nick Stahl, was the first one to call her "Nana" and from then on Peggy was Nana to hundreds of kiddos and their families in her 29 years of owning Daytime Friends Daycare. Peggy loved watching them grow up and become responsible young men and women and teaching them about Jesus' love and how to pray for others. When Peggy retired, she was caring for two second generation families. It did not make her feel old, it made her feel blessed. One of her favorite quotes was, "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child". This quote was written by Forest Witcraft. Peggy always followed the theory of not holding grudges, as they only steal the joy God gave you. One thing may be wrong, but there are always ten things right. Focus on your blessings not your problems. Give thanks in all circumstances, always look for and find God's blessings in every step of your journey and never take one day for granted. If you are fortunate enough to still have your spouse and family and friends on this earth, spend quality time with them. Imagine being in my families' shoes wishing they had a little bit more time. The last and most important thing is Peggy encourages you that if you do not already have one, find a church family. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior or have not been baptized, do it now! Make the best decision that you will ever make in your life. When you are a Christian, then you never have to say goodbye. It's see you later. Jesus is waiting for us. "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2. To all my friends and family, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I was sad to leave you, and it is okay to grieve. Remember that grief is not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith, it is the price of love. But then find a reason to smile with every sunrise and sunset…every bright blue sky with fluffy clouds and everything that reminds you of our time together and celebrate my life and know that I am with you. I had a great life and am thankful that God gave me all of you to be a part of it. See you later, Nana. Funeral services for Peggy Jean Hehman will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Brownstown Christian Church with Pastor Mitchell McIntyre officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Brownstown Christian Church, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Brownstown Christian Church. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, Brownstown. Memorials may be given to Brownstown Christian Church Children's Ministry or
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc. Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com