Peggy DeMus

Peggy Jean DeMus (neé St. John) passed away on August 18th 2024 at 12:33AM after a short but courageous battle with small cell lung cancer, with her loving family present, each with a hand resting on her. At the request of Peggy, there will be no services.

Peggy was born on June 20th, 1957 to Betty (Franks) and Parlee St. John. Peggy was the third of five girls. Their red farm house on Forest Hills Road in Machesney Park was a hub for family gatherings and making memories.

Peggy’s life is a testament to love and resilience. Her marriage to Randy DeMus on November 13th, 1976, was just the beginning of their life-long adventure together beginning in the Rockford area of Illinois. As a CNA, she embraced her role as a caregiver and brought light into the lives of disabled children. Her nurturing spirit continued to flourish as she raised her own children and later cared for her grandchildren in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Peggy’s strength inspired those around her, especially during her victorious battle with breast cancer in her 40s.

Peggy was a doting grandmother, spending countless hours watching The Price is Right, playing cribbage and crazy eights, and generally putting up with their antics.

Her reserved demeanor hid a sharp wit, unleashed after a couple of beers. Family and friends still laugh about her hilarious, tipsy remarks, like proclaiming love for ‘Taylor Smift’ during a Taylor Swift song.

Peggy’s life was enriched by numerous adventures in the US Virgin Islands with her beloved friend, “Kiva” Karen, who sadly passed away before her. Their time together was filled with laughter and memories created while wasting away in Margaritaville and going down to Kokomo to get away from it all.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents Betty and Parlee St. John, grandparents Judith and William Franks, Lillian and Manley St. John, sisters Mari St. John and Kathy Womack, brothers in law David Olson, Walter and Ronald DeMus, sisters in law Sue (Jim) Sanders, Beverly Gilmore, nephews Erik Olson, Jimmy Sanders, Jeff Pond, many further friends, family, and pets. She is survived by her loving husband Randy DeMus, children Brock (Meagan) DeMus, Arin (Zachary) Lara, grandchildren Skylee and Alexandria Lara, sisters Judy Olson and Traci Cochran, brothers in law Gary Tate and Gordy DeMus sisters in law Karen (Jerry) Pond, Donna Erickson, Virginia (Willard) Bossom, Judi (Herb) Comstock, nieces Linnea and Sonia Olson, nephew Maverik Olson, and numerous extended family members.

Dearest Peggy, a light has gone out of our lives, but the love and memories you leave behind will never fade. We are blessed to have had you, and we will carry you with us always. Now, as you move on to your next great adventure, may the angels guide you and may your soul find eternal peace and happiness. Keep an eye out for us.

The family would like to thank OSF hospice services for the love and care they gave to Peggy and her family during this difficult time.