Peggy Ann Whitten went home to be with the Lord on December 29th, 2025, at the age of 75. While our hearts mourn her passing, we find peace in the assurance that she is now healed, whole, and rejoicing in the presence of her Savior.

Born on April 2, 1950, Peggy was the beloved daughter of Charlotte and Kenny May. Her life was marked by strength, devotion, and purpose, and her faith in God was the steady foundation that guided her through every season. Peggy faced challenges with grace and determination, always trusting in God's plan and holding firm to her faith.

Peggy was a woman of quiet confidence, deeply devoted to her family and committed to serving others. Her passion for teaching was evident from an early age. A lifelong teacher of dance and gymnastics, Peggy was always more than just a coach—she was a guide, an encourager, and an example of perseverance.

Her love for dance began at a young age, but truly blossomed when she started ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray’s. She soon became a teacher there, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she taught with her natural beauty and the elegance of her movements. Over time, Peggy expanded her reach by teaching dance and gymnastics out of the garage of their home. That garage, humble though it was, became the birthplace of countless dreams, stories, and memories for so many people.

Her passion for teaching only grew stronger, and it wasn’t long before she opened her own dance studio. Through discipline, encouragement, and high expectations, she not only taught children how to move but also how to believe in themselves. Her influence reached far beyond the studio, leaving a lasting imprint on every life she touched.

Even after stepping away from teaching, Peggy was far from idle. She continued to pursue new challenges, studying diligently to become a certified gymnastics judge at the national level. This new chapter in her life took her to many places, where she spent weekends immersed in her role, earning respect and admiration from her peers.

True to her nature, Peggy never stopped learning. "Just when we thought she was content," we would joke, "she decided to learn how to knit." And, like everything she did, she threw herself into it with her signature enthusiasm. The result was a collection of beautiful, handmade hats, scarves, and even a knitted dress for the dish soap—a testament to her love for learning and creating.

Beyond her passions for dance and gymnastics, Peggy was a constant presence at her family's ball games. With unwavering pride, she cheered on those she loved, her competitive spirit shining through in every moment. She loved fiercely and supported with her whole heart, and her presence in the stands will be deeply missed.

Peggy was married to the love of her life, Gary Whitten, for 55 devoted years. She was a loving mother to Casey (Lisa), Sean (Lyndsey), and Jonna Whitten, and a proud grandmother to Haley Schmitt (Josh), Mackenzie Whitten, Shayla Dilbeck (Logan), Dillon Whitten (Megan), Charlie, Ty, and Maylee Whitten. She was also a great-grandmother to Olivia and Owen Schmitt, Senna and Gus Jin, Ruby and Lainey Whitten. Her family was her greatest joy and her deepest priority.

Peggy’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she shaped, the lessons she taught, and the love she shared. She was a woman of strong faith, an example of hard work and leadership, and a true servant who loved with all her heart. Her work ethic, her unwavering faith, and her joyful spirit will be remembered by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Though we mourn her absence, we take comfort in knowing that she is now healed, restored, and living in the presence of the Lord. Her earthly race is finished, and her heavenly reward has begun. Where the music never ends and the dance floor is eternal, she is leading the jitterbug with a smile.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenny and Charlotte May, as well as her father-in-law, Charlie Whitten, and mother-in-law, Ruth Whitten.

She is survived by her siblings Jeff (Sherry) May, Lisa (Donnie) Foster, Chris (Lynn) May, Joy (Kenny) Hoefling, Jill (Steve) Charles, and Rod (Marilyn) May, along with the many students and families whose lives were shaped by her guidance and example.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a recitation of the rosary at 3:30 p.m. at Stodghill Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until mass time at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gibson Southern Wrestling and Gibson Southern Baseball. Expressions of sympathy can be made to stodghillfuneralhome.com.

Healed, reunited, and forever dancing—her joyful jitterbug now lives on in heaven.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23