Peggy Hester Almquist

"To the world, you are a mother. To our family, you are the world."

Peggy Irene Hester Almquist, 88, of Hutto, Texas, passed away peacefully in her home on March 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Peggy was born on August 6, 1935, on the Hester Family Farm in Round Rock, Texas, to Elmer and Ruby (Bingham) Hester. She graduated from Round Rock High School in 1953 and pursued a career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) from John's Community Hospital.

She was a recipient of the District 10 Outstanding 4-H Leader Award in 1987 and was recognized for her outstanding service to Future Farmers of America.

In 1957, Peggy married the love of her life, Gus Leon Almquist, at Palm Valley Lutheran Church in Round Rock, Texas. They settled on the Almquist Family Farm north of Hutto, where Peggy embraced the role of a devoted farmer's wife. She enjoyed cooking meals for family and friends. Together, they raised four children. Peggy discovered her passion for sewing, becoming a skilled seamstress and crafting wedding attire and sports uniforms for many. She created the first Hutto Hippo mascot uniform in the late 70s.

In 1991, Peggy opened her business, Peggy's Sew-N-Sew, in Round Rock, Texas, where she continued to share her talents with the community. Her greatest accomplishment was helping design and sew wedding gowns for herself, her daughter, and four granddaughters. Peggy also had a short career at Hutto ISD.

Peggy was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, seamstress, and baker. She found joy in supporting her children and grandchildren in their endeavors, whether it was through livestock shows, sports, sewing projects or baking dozens of cookies for every occasion. Peggy was best known for her chocolate sheet cake, cream cheese bars, wedding punch and mints. She was actively involved in various community organizations, including the Hutto Athletic Booster Club, Hutto 4-H and FFA Livestock Booster Club and 4-H Adult Leaders Club.

Known for her warm laughter and welcoming spirit, Peggy had a gift for connecting with people and was affectionately known as "Memaw" by many.

Peggy is survived by her daughter, Paula Almquist Martin (Dwayne), and daughter-in-love, Beth Bradshaw Almquist and Janet Almquist; grandchildren, Tristan Almquist (Candace), Angela Martin Dismukes (Adam), Cody Almquist (Lindsie), Thomas Speer (Christopher), Sarah Speer Ornelas (Michael), and Avery Martin Fisher (Devin); great-grandchildren, Dwayne Gaida, Calvin Thames, Jack Dismukes, Ellis Almquist, Briggs Almquist, Ariya Ornelas, Hunter Fisher, and Myla Ornelas; brothers, Don Hester (Betty) and Gale "Big Boy" Hester (Luise); sisters, Nellene Hester and Bess Hester; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friend Joyce Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gus Leon Almquist; sons, Greg Almquist, Glen Almquist, and Gary Almquist; parents, Elmer and Ruby Hester; and brothers, Lawrence "Hank" Hester and Dale Hester.

A visitation will be held at Beck Funeral Home in Pflugerville on Sunday from 2 - 5 pm, followed by funeral services on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 10 am. Interment will be at Hutto Lutheran Cemetery following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hutto Lutheran Cemetery Fund or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Peggy's legacy of love, laughter, and compassion will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished her.