Peggy Powers

Peggy Lou (Barker) Powers, 79, passed January 11, 2024. She was born November 17, 1944 in Corning, Arkansas to the late Lewis and Genevieve (White) Barker. Peggy married her best friend and wonderful husband John Henry Powers Sr. on October 18, 1989. They had 35 wonderful years together.

Peggy had five children: Charles W. Blades Jr., Rocky (Goldie) Blades, Joseph (Arlene) Blades, Rhonda Toebes, and Monte Blades. She acquired five more children in her marriage to John H. Powers Sr.: Stephani (Keith) Powers, Eric Powers, John (Amy) Powers Jr., Rebecca (Brad) Bach, and Katie Powers.

She is survived by her husband; her children; her 26 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren; her siblings Louie (Linda) Barker, Rick (Judy) Barker, Steve (Starlet) Barker, Carolyn Taylor, Marilyn (Don) Johnston, and Sheila Jones; and her numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother Eugene Barker; her sister Katie Betty Sue Billings; her son Eric Powers; her grandsons Zachary Blades and Justin Blades; her granddaughter Jessica Blades; and her great granddaughters Brooke Lee and Brooke Lynn Crites.

Peggy was a true NFL Green Bay Packer fan and loved going to the games or watching on TV. She retired from Chrysler in Belvidere, Illinois. She was an active member in Chrysler United Auto Workers Local 1268 during her employment, and an active member at Lt. C. A. Robert Carlson American Legion Post 1207 in Rockford, Illinois.

Peggy was always an excellent pillar for her community. She loved to volunteer for several organizations, whenever and wherever. Her favorite place to volunteer, whether sorting through clothes or cooking for hundreds of people, was St. Elizabeth in Rockford, Illinois feeding the homeless men, woman, children, and veterans. She always felt great joy being able to do this.

Our mother was one of the strongest, most loving, and kindest humans to grace this planet. Her giving and unselfish ways will forever be cherished by us and to all that have known her. Purity of heart she will forever be. Rest in peace, dear mama. Your light shines on in our hearts.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Peggy at 12pm on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at American Legion, 1011 S Alpine Rd, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Burial will be held at 1 pm on May 24, 2024 at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Jefferson County, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin 53538.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to support them during this difficult time.