Peg was born on February 14, 1928 in Lewisburg, PA to Francis Landis Vonada and Juvenelia Allie Gay.
Her family moved to Batavia, NY in 1930. Peg graduated from Batavia High School in 1945 and was the first member of her family to attend college. She graduated from State University of New York at Albany (SUNYA) in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education.
Peg married Donald Lipphardt on December 23, 1950 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Batavia, NY. She taught high school business for two years while Don served in the Armed Forces.
Don and Peg moved to Arizona in February 1953. All four daughters Susan, Linda, Donna and Marlene were born in Phoenix.
Peg’s joy was being a mother to her four daughters. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years. She was also involved in Cosine Club (The Society of Automotive Engineers Wives) for decades and served as President for several years. Peg also taught preschool at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and volunteered in the church office.
Don died of colon cancer in September 1986. Peg and Don were happily married for over 35 years. Peg married her second husband, Russ Gittus, on September 14, 1991 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Phoenix, AZ. They enjoyed their blended families for 15 years.
Peg is survived by: her four daughters, Susan Keith (David), Linda Van Sande (Paul), Donna Sheber (Marty), and Marlene Bracey (Paul) and her four step-children Tamara Stevens (Doug), Tim Gittus (Teresa), Mike Gittus, and Jean Ann Ladensack (Al), as well as 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Plaza del Rio Foundation (Scholarships) 13373 N. Plaza Del Rio Blvd Peoria, AZ 85381 or American Lutheran Church 17200 N. Del Webb Blvd Sun City, AZ 85373
The family is holding a private service in memory of Peg the week of November 25th.
