Peggy Joyce Wise

Peggy Joyce (Vielguth) Wise, 77, of Stockton, Kansas, passed away Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas. She was born on August 11, 1948, in Stockton to Junior Lee and Viola Arleta (Richardson) Vielguth.

Peggy grew up in Stockton and graduated from Stockton High School in 1966. On August 11 of that same year, she was united in marriage to Benney Lee Wise. Together, they built a life rooted in the community they both loved and were blessed with three children: James, Brian, and Jennifer.

Throughout her life, Peggy was known for her creativity, dedication, and deeply caring nature—qualities that were evident both at home and in her work. A talented seamstress, her sewing ability was unmatched. Peggy often joked that she had sewn everywhere imaginable: full time at home, at the cleaners in Hays, and in the sewing department at RANS in Hays. She later retired from Stitch & Chatter in Stockton, where her attention to detail and craftsmanship were widely admired. Her love for sewing went far beyond a job; it was her passion and her gift to others.

Peggy’s favorite pastime was a toss-up between shopping for fabric and sewing. Many afternoons were spent on road trips with her daughter Jen to Hays in search of fabric for a new quilt, picking up groceries, and always making time for McDonald’s—especially their ice cream cones. Two of her favorite outings included trips to the Oz Museum in Wamego and participating in the quilting Row by Row contests, where she loved the challenge of creativity and racing to turn in her finished quilt first, hoping to win a goodie bag from the quilt shop.

Peggy and Jen also spent countless hours sewing together for Angel Gowns, lovingly creating garments for families in need. Together, they sent at least one box each month containing no fewer than 60 gowns—a true testament to Peggy’s generous heart and tireless hands.

Family was at the center of Peggy’s world. She shared a strong, meaningful connection with each of her children and grandchildren, making sure every one of them received a personalized quilt for graduations and major milestones—keepsakes stitched with love and intention. She was always supportive of her boys and their car shows and racing, often attending events simply to spend time with them.

Peggy’s dogs were also a cherished part of her life. Her beloved Yorkies—her girls Trixie and Sadie Mae, and her boy Bosco Bud, who passed away this past fall—were truly her world, especially as she grew older and was unable to leave the house as often. She took them everywhere with her, bringing them to town, to downtown parades, cruise nights, and the county fair, where they could often be seen enjoying puppy stroller rides while people-watching. They were her constant companions and are surely mourning her passing as well.

In quieter moments, Peggy found comfort in watching The Wizard of Oz and listening to Elvis Presley. Her warmth, creativity, generosity, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on through every quilt, every stitch, and every life she touched.

She is survived by her husband, Benney of the home in Stockton; children, James (Karen) Wise of Hays, KS, Brian Wise of Stockton, and Jennifer (James Brian Kingsolver) Gray of Stockton; ten grandchildren: Nicole Taylor, Austin Smith, Casey Wise, DJ Wise, Brandon Wise, Hunter Wise, Savannah Gray, Kambria Wise, and Liam Wise; and two great-grandchildren: Journee Wise and Kaylee Rae Taylor.

She is preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Albert and Frona Richardson and Joe and Violet Vielguth; aunts and uncles, Joyce and Donnie Richardson and Earl Richardson; cousins, Becki Richardson and Julieann Richardson; and grandchild, Phoenix Wise.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 2PM at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton. Burial will follow at the Stockton Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, 5-8PM with the family receiving friends 5-7PM at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses and the V.F.W. Post #8873 and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.