Peggy Kay McCleary

Peggy McCleary, age 84 of Perry, passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the MercyOne West Des Moines in West Des Moines, IA. A celebration of her life will be on Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with sharing of memories at 4:00 p.m. at the Carris Family Funeral Home & Cremation Care in Perry. A private graveside service will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Linden, IA. In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Perry Public Library and may be left at the Carris Family Funeral Home & Cremation Care.
Peggy Kay McCleary was born April 25th, 1939, in Dawson, Iowa, to Bonnetta and Stanley Wernli. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert McCleary on February 8th, 1959. They lived a life together full of love, family, and adventure.
Peg attended the School of Cosmetology in Des Moines and became a hairdresser. Soon after the birth of their first child, they moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where they had two more children. Her family made their way to Washington State for the birth of their fourth child. Eventually they found their way back home to Iowa.
Peg enjoyed hobbies that included studying for her pilot's license, knitting, sewing clothes for her kids and their barbies, playing cards, reading, camping, and sitting around a campfire. However, her greatest passion in life was being a mother. She cared for her late sister's children and provided in-home daycare to kids, who she loved and cared for like her own. She was a strong woman who raised her children and grandchildren to be as well. Peg and Bob enjoyed retirement, including a period traveling and living full-time in their RV.
"I've had a good life" she said shortly before peacefully passing on with family at her bedside on September 16th, 2023. She will be dearly missed by her husband Bob; her children Laurie Carnahan, Tina Turner, Lee McCleary, and Janette Hanna; her grandchildren Michelle and Jon Illian, Tracy Carnahan, Kyle and Amanda Carnahan, and Cat Hanna; and her great grandchildren Bryson, Ellie, Camille, Carter, Karsyn, Kallie, and Owen.
Peg was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers: Leroy, Don, and Bob; her sisters: Joyce, Colleen, and Marjorie; and granddaughter Alisha Carnahan.