Peg Greathouse

Margaret "Peg" Carrie Greathouse, 94, passed away on January 12, 2025.

An only child, born on August 18, 1930 to Harold and Candase (Kern) Hilbert of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, Peg, "Mt. Carmel's Shirley Temple" married her high school sweetheart, Leroy Greathouse, on August 25, 1949. In a thoroughly modern twist, the minister, knowing Peg and Leroy well, removed "to obey" from their wedding vows.  They would remain equal partners through it all.

In 1953, the lovebirds moved to Sycamore, Illinois, where they would make their home and raise their family. In addition to raising their three children, volunteering, and singing in the church choir, Peg worked for Seymour Paints, and Driv-Lok, Inc., where she rose to management and was the first woman to wear a pantsuit to the office, a point of family pride.

In retirement, Peg and Leroy spent over 25 winters in Bradenton, Florida, where Peg golfed regularly and competitively ("No gimmes! You have to putt out!"), played mahjong regularly and competitively ("I'd eat that tile before I'd let you play it!"), and generally enjoyed friends, family and mild weather.

Throughout life, Peg was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and a friend. But she was also her own person – independent, fiercely competitive, modern, musical, and quick-witted. She gave the best hugs, baked the best chocolate chip cookies and Dutch apple pie, and had a knack for making everything an adventure.

Peg will be missed dearly by daughters Jan Loomer and Candy Smith of Sycamore, son Brad (Katherine) Greathouse of Longmont, Colorado, grandchildren Kiah (Michelle) Loomer, Kira (Mike) Tchang, Alex (Emily) Smith, and Zak (Grace) Greathouse, and great-grandchildren Cole and Shea Loomer, and Keaton, Kellan and Tessa Tchang. She hopes to be reunited with her parents, beloved and sometimes exasperating husband Leroy, daughter Connie Ann, son-in-law Charlie Smith, and granddaughters Kendall Smith and Kelsey Greathouse, in whatever comes next.

A celebration of Peg's life will be held on Saturday, February 8th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Pub 64 in Sycamore. Attendees are invited to share memories and hugs with Peg's loved ones. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.

Peg's family is grateful for the kindness and care from the staff at Oak Crest & Heartland Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please give someone you love an extra-long hug.

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com