Peggy was born July 11, 1931 to the late Lynn and Eula Rhodes in Honeygrove, TX. Her family moved to McFarland, CA when Peggy was five years old. There, she attended McFarland Elementary and McFarland High School where she met her husband, Donald Derington. They were married on February 6, 1946 in the Church of Christ. Don left for the Navy shortly after and Peggy went to work at the soda shop, serving ice cream to many of the local farmers – a job she remembered fondly. Don returned home and they moved in to their first home. In 1949 their only son, Steven, was born. To say Steve was the apple of Peggy’s eye would be an understatement. She never missed a Little League game nor high school baseball or football game. Whenever we would repeat a funny (read wild) story about Steve to her, she would say, “Oh, No! Not my Steven!” with a knowing smirk.
In 1950, Peggy and Don started their farm in Pond, CA, growing cotton, alfalfa and grain crops. Peggy was widowed early when Don passed away in 1982. For the ten weeks he was in ICU she stayed by him, never leaving his side until his last breath. After, she began volunteering as a Pink Lady for many years as a way to give back.
Peggy was an avid and very good golfer. She had a strong faith in God and regularly attended the Church of Christ and later Valley Baptist. She loved helping on Wednesdays and attending Sunday school before service.
Peggy was a great “southern” cook who made fried chicken, sage dressing and chicken and dumplings like none other. Poised, classy and sweet are just a few accurate descriptions of her. We know that she is reunited with her soul mate, Don, watching their great grandkids play ball from heaven’s bleachers.
Peggy was preceded in death by her husband Don, parents, and older brother Lynn Rhodes, Jr. She is survived by her son Steven (Kathy) Derington, grandchildren Nathan Derington, Kalli (Jackson) Creighton, great grandchildren Ruby, Natalie, Georgia, Clara and Sawyer Creighton and several nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to her niece, Sandra Mears, for her love and care in Peggy’s last few years.
The family will hold a private burial in Delano, CA.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.delanomortuary.com for the Derington family. Services entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Delano, a Dignity Memorial provider.
