Peggy Lou Hess Gay

Family visitation will be 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at Bratcher Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, July 10, 2014 at Bratcher Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, 1501 State Hwy. 91 North, Denison, TX 75020.

Peggy was born April 12, 1926 in Breckenridge Texas to Clarence T. and Kathryn B. Hess. The family then moved to Bonham where she was crowned “Miss Bonham” when she was about 5 years old. The family settled in Denison by the time she was 7 years old where she lived for the rest of her life; attended Denison schools and was a graduate of Denison High.

Peggy started work at the Rialto and then the Star Theater, both in Denison. She then worked at Citizen’s National Bank in Denison when she met her future husband who also worked there, Joseph W. Gay. On April 16, 1950 she married Joe, also of Denison, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. They welcomed their first child Susan a few years after their marriage. 12 years later, Bill was added to the family.

Peggy enjoyed reading, quilting and painting which was also enjoyed by her mother Kathryn. Peggy took care of the household while Joe was busy being active in the community and at work. Peggy was a fantastic mother and grandmother who enjoyed family life.

She is survived by brother Johnny Hess and spouse Ava of Wichita Falls, TX; daughter Susan Handeland & husband Gene of Denison; son William (Bill) Gay & wife Cindy of McKinney; grandsons Nicholas Marsico & Gregory Marsico; step-grandson Mitch Handeland; step-granddaughter Michelle Perry; several great step-grandchildren; numerous nieces & nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of choice.