Peggy LaRue Kohler

Peggy LaRue Kohler, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital.

She was born on September 4, 1940, in Wichita Falls, Texas, the daughter of Sylvester "Bud" and K. Luella (Hennis) Johnson.

Peggy worked for many years as a secretary and office manager at Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville, retiring after a dedicated career. She was proud to be known as "Grandma" or "Grandma Peggy" by her honorary grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a title she cherished deeply. She found great joy in her faith and friendships as an active member of the Bethalto Church of God, singing and traveling with both the choir and Bell Choir. She also cherished her involvement in the Red Hat Society's "Red Rascals" chapter and the Madison County Association for Home and Community Education, where she enjoyed fellowship and community involvement.

Peggy married the love of her life, Billy Dean Kohler, on November 26, 1963 in Wood River, Illinois. They shared a life rooted in family, the farm, and a love of the outdoors, particularly hunting in the woods. Billy preceded her in death on May 2, 2000.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, Johnny Dean Johnson, on November 5, 1997.

Surviving are her nephew, Darren J. Johnson (Heather Terry), her niece, Deb D Kohler (R. Lee Grantham MD), great nieces and nephews Casey Kohler, Kaila Kohler, Kari Miller, Amber Carrol, Steven Crane, Lacie Ambrose, Katie Boyd, and numerous great great grandnieces and nephews, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, at Marks Mortuary in Wood River. Pastor Jacob Skelton will officiate.

Burial will follow at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, mother, father, and brother.