Peggy J. Lenard

Peggy J. Lenard, age 90, of Battle Creek, passed away on November 20, 2025, at the Laurels of Coldwater. She was born April 27, 1935, in Wapello, Iowa, the daughter of Donald and Helen (Partington) Gillett. Peggy grew up in Wapello and attended school there before moving to Battle Creek in 1955.

Peggy dedicated 32 years of service to the Coldwater and Fort Custer Mental Health Facilities, retiring in 1989. She was a proud member of TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly). Peggy enjoyed playing cards, traveling, visiting casinos, taking walks, and spending time outdoors appreciating nature. Above all, she cherished the time she spent creating memories with her family and friends.

In 2000, Peggy married Donald Lenard. Together, they shared a wonderful adventure living aboard their yacht in Florida for ten years. Donald preceded her in death in 2000.

Peggy is survived by her siblings Doris Crouch, Shirley Lott, Linda Gillette, and Terry Gillette; her son, Rodney (Betty) Blair of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Mitzi Gottschalk, Chad (Leanne) Heuer of Coldwater, and Josh (Paige) Blair of Kalamazoo; great-grandchildren, Jordan (Nolan) Cattell, Chaz Heuer, and Alec Heuer; and great-great-grandchildren, Alaina Cattell and Rylinn Heuer.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, with Rev. John Grafton officiating. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service for family and friends to gather. Interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Please join the family afterward at 1:00 p.m. for a celebration of life at New Holland Brewery, 64 W. Michigan Ave.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.henryfuneralhome.org