Peggy DeVere Maichel August 5, 2018
Peggy DeVere (Billings) Maichel was born July 31, 1928, to Gladys and Harold Billings in Livingston, Montana. Her father insisted the birth occur in the hospital to assure the safe delivery of his first born. Peggy and her sisters, Patty and Renee, grew up primarily in Harrison, Montana. Early in her life, she became an avid reader finding great solace and pleasure in books. When it was her turn to make dinner for the family, they would “have books for supper”, her father would say. During her young years she committed her life to the Lord. Micah 6: 8 was a favorite verse and reflected her true faith “… And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” We felt she had a direct line from her mouth to God’s ear.
She loved to sing, and she played on the high school basketball team. Peggy graduated from Harrison School as the Valedictorian. One of her fondest memories was the summer she worked in Bozeman and rented an apartment with her friends while working at the Woolworth Luncheonette.
Peggy met her sweetheart, Melvin Dewey Maichel, at school in Harrison. When she was thirteen, he asked her to wait for him while he served in World War II in the US Navy. They were married September 15, 1946, after his return. One year later they welcomed their first daughter, Susan DeVere. Peggy found her niche as a mom. Her heart was full as a mother and she was the best mother ever. Susan was joined by siblings: in 1952, Ariliah Joy; in 1954, Melvin David; in 1958, Carol Diane; in 1960, Angela Jean; and in 1966, Melanie Ann. She took immense pleasure in making the house a home, taking great care in decorating details. She filled the home with smells of freshly baked bread and bouquets of flowers. She had a magical way of making each child feel special and cherished. She shared her special love with each grandchild, all twenty. Peggy loved to make crocheted afghans and flannel receiving blankets for each baby.
Her last year, she lived at Birchwood Assisted Living in Bozeman. She enjoyed the fellowship of this caring community, the bingo and the music. She spent her 90th birthday at her daughter’s home surrounded by her children. She enjoyed coconut cake and “delicious” homemade vanilla ice cream.
On Sunday, August 5, 2018, Peggy left her earthly body to join those waiting for her in heaven. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter and friend to all. She was the best of everything.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Melvin Dewey. She is survived by her sisters, Patricia Johnston and Renee Sikkenga; her 6 children; 20 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 14 at 1 p.m. at Grace Bible Church followed by graveside services at 3 p.m. at Harrison Cemetery in Harrison, MT.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harrison School in Harrison, Montana; the Bozeman Public Library Bookmobile; or Koinonia, 211 Mission Street, Stevensville, MT 59870.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com