Peggy Slinkard

Benita Irene "Peggy" Slinkard, 83, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born Dec. 29, 1926, in Illmo, Mo., to Arthur E. and Gustava Hanks. She and Loyd Slinkard were married Jan. 4, 1947, in Wickliffe, Ky.

Peggy was a member of Lynwood Baptist Church. She was an excellent mother, grandmother and friend. With the help of her oldest son, Mike, she created her own little Garden of Eden that she enjoyed daily, especially the hummingbirds.

She had worked at Eli Walker and Davis Electric, and for more than 30 years she helped her husband operate Loyd Slinkard Painting Co. Inc.

Survivors include three sons, Michael Slinkard and Mark Slinkard (Robin) of Cape Girardeau, Scott Slinkard (Barbara) of Millersville; a daughter, Peggy Jo Slinkard of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Lola Wessel of Jackson; 11 grandchildren, Heather Amic of Florida, Christopher Slinkard, Timothy Slinkard and Amy Diamond, all of Cape Girardeau, April Scott of Florida, Stephanie Slinkard and Kimberly Slinkard of Cape Girardeau, Amy O'Kelley of Fruitland, Matt Slinkard of Jackson, Brandon Pierce and Nicholas Slinkard of Cape Girardeau; 16 great-grandchildren; and two very special nieces, Laverne Slinkard and Lavona Robinson (Pat).

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers, Arthur E., William and Charles "Zeke" Benton; and a daughter-in-law, Sharon Slinkard.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mark Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Fairview United Methodist Church Cemetery near Scopus, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.