Peggy Clark

Peggy Ann Lowry Clark, 81, passed away at her home in Monument, Oregon, July 31, 2024.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11 A. M. at the Moon Creek Cemetery, 24701 Moon Creek Lane, Mt. Vernon, OR. A potluck reception will immediately follow at Mt. Vernon, Grange Hall, 59491 HWY. 26, Mt. Vernon, Oregon.

Peggy was born to Charles Alvin Lowry and Sallie Saphronia Foster Lowry, on December 4, 1942, at their home in Prineville, Oregon. Peggy was the couple’s 12th child. Peggy started school in Prineville before the family moved to a ranch in Mitchell, Oregon. Peggy attended the Mitchell grade school until the family bought a ranch on Moon Creek, West of Mt. Vernon, Oregon. Peggy finished 7th-12th grades at Mt. Vernon High School.

Shortly after moving to the ranch on Moon Creek the family was visited by a young cowboy, George (Rusty) Clark. Rusty came riding down the road on a mare followed by her young colt, and a long line of dogs! Charlie called the family out of the house to greet him. Rusty left a lasting impression on Charlie and the rest of the family. Charlie would tease Peggy about Rusty for the next few years, knowing that he was her perfect match. Both families became great friends. Rusty was with a good friend, who considered himself “a ladies’ man” when he first saw Peggy, Rusty told him, “Step aside, this one is mine!” The rest was history. Peggy and Rusty continued to date through high school and were voted Prom King and Queen. The couple married on March 10, 1961. They raised their 4 daughters and son in the Seneca, Bear Valley, and Long Creek areas of Grant County.

Peggy worked by Rusty’s side feeding and caring for cattle, horses, and kids. As busy as she was, she found time for side jobs, raising, butchering and selling chickens, and selling milk from her milk cows. Peggy supported Rusty’s 4-H horse club by managing fund raisers, sewing the club shirts and making the chinks they all wore.

The family was always busy with the community, county and rodeo events. Peggy would be seen running the stripping chutes during the Prairie Wranglers roping’s. At the Grant County Horse shows Peggy had her hands full wrangling a busy little red-headed boy, getting all 4 girls hair done and hats on and headed to the arena on time. Peggy served as Fair and Rodeo Courts chaperone for many years. After moving to the Long Creek area Peggy served as secretary for the booster club and kept books for the volleyball and football teams. Son David kept her busy filming his rodeo events.

Peggy was the cook for Long Creek schools for many years. Many of the students she fed has told us of how they loved her cooking and especially the “Mississippi mud bars!” She would let the kids sneak in to grab baked goodies between classes. After retiring as a cook at Long Creek Schools, Peggy and Rusty bought the store in Long Creek and added a small restaurant they named it “Peggy’s Place,” Many ranchers have recalled the many “to go” breakfasts on their way out to gather cattle.

Many of the grandkids spent their summers with Grandma and Grandpa, learning many life skills. Grandma was never afraid of keeping them in line! It has been said that Grandma was the best cook! They still remember many hilarious stories while spending time with grandma, and the love she always gave them.

Peggy and Rusty moved from Long Creek to Monument, Oregon, after selling Peggy’s Place. Peggy returned to cooking at the Monument Schools, until she retired in 2022. The kids missed her cookies and hugs, and she missed them dearly. When she would see them at functions, they would always run up to talk to her and give her a hug. She was fondly referred to as “Miss Peggy.” Peggy continued to bake them cookies on the last school day of each week. Her doughnuts were the highlight of Halloween, not only did the kids come by trick or treating but the parents did as well.

Peggy will long be remembered for her love of family, love of children, her cooking, and selfless. She opened her door to many in need.

Peggy is survived by her husband of 63 years, George (Rusty) Clark of Monument, Oregon; daughters’ Charity (Richard) Boyer, Millersburg, Oregon, Donna (Craig) Palmer, Long Creek, Oregon, Amy (Nick) Tarvin, Culver, Oregon, Clara (Tod) Nichols, Stanfield, Oregon, and son, David (Toni) Clark, Long Creek, Oregon. 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren. Her 2 brothers, Bob Lowry, Keating, OR., Richard Lowry, Mt. Vernon, OR.; 3 Sister’s Alta Goldsby, Salem, OR, Dorothy Edwards, Lexington, OR., Betty Jean Melvin, Madras, OR.

She is preceded in death by a Grandson, Tyrell Clark, her parents, Charlie and Sallie Lowry, 2 brothers; Bill and Alvin Lowry; 4 Sisters Hazel Jackson, Glady VanWinkle, Rhonda Propeck and Effa Aarstad. Numerous nieces, and nephews.

Memorial contributions in her honor can be made to Blue Mountain Home Health and Hospice or St. Jude’s through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.