Peggy Joyce Chesney

Peggy Joyce (Bergman) Chesney of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away July 5, 2023.

Peggy was born January 11, 1933 in Levelland, Texas to William Bergman and Ora (Howard) Bergman.

Peggy graduated from Weatherford, Oklahoma High School in 1951, where she was a leading majorette in the Weatherford High School Band, playing the clarinet during band concerts, and was active in various other high school activities.

After graduation Peggy worked as a Western Union telegrapher, a cashier at C.R. Anthony’s Company and assisted her parents who were owners and operators of Bill’s Motel in Weatherford.

Growing up as an only child, with parents that worked full time, Peggy spent many hours at the roller skating rink, when it would come to town.  She was a very good skater and claimed even in her golden years, that she could still skate if given the chance.  Also as a teenager, she loved to paint pictures.  Peggy was a very gifted artist. 

Another favorite pastime as a child was going to the movie theater.  Her wish was that some day she would have a way to watch movies in her house.  That wish came true – a television.

Peggy loved to do yard work, especially operating a weed eater.  And she always said, “She was good at it”.

Peggy met the love of her life, Henry Jerrell Chesney from Rocky Oklahoma while he was attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma.  They were married August 4, 1951 in Sayre, Oklahoma.   

Peggy and Jerrell lived in Weatherford until his first job in Anadarko.  In August of 1957 they moved to Shawnee and lived there for 63 years.

During the early years of their marriage, Peggy devoted her time exclusively to her family.  As Peggy’s children entered public school, she accepted work assignments in various positions in the Shawnee Public Schools during the hours her children were in school.  Peggy was active in Mother’s Clubs and other organizational activities of her children and husband.  Being a wife to her husband in support of his career and a mother to her growing children were of foremost importance.

Peggy was active in service to her church in a variety of positions.   In her later years, she was limited by health restrictions, but did enjoy giving volunteer service to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry of St Benedict’s parish.

Peggy deeply loved Jesus Christ, her family, her country and OSU.

Peggy is survived by her 2 sons Mitchell Allen (Joyce) Chesney of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and Mark Owen (Julie) Chesney of American Fork, Utah and her daughter Marquita Chesney (Michael) Prescott of Edmond, Oklahoma.

Also her 12 grandchildren: Benjamin (Noell) Chesney, Melissa (Mark) Winters, Jason (Rachel) Chesney, Kimberly (Chris) Redford, Scott (Rebekah) Chesney, Ammon (McKenzie) Chesney, McKay (Sam) Gasser, Ryan Chesney, Tanner (Kelli) Prescott, Tyler Prescott, Thomas (Lara) Prescott, and Tara Prescott; 24 great-grandchildren: Breck, Mitchell E, Claire, Lillie, Hannah, Ethan, McKaylee, KoriAnne, Kate (deceased), Everett, Jacob, Evan, Caden, Emree, Adam, Ashley, Madlyn, Tyler, Kali, Tyson, Joshua, Andrew, Casey, and Audrey.  

Her husband H Jerrell Chesney; her parents, William and Ora Bergman; a sister, Melda Rose Bergman; and a great granddaughter, Kate Redford, precede Peggy in death.

The family would like to thank Touchmark at Coffee Creek and LifeSpring Hospice for the incredible care given to Peggy.

Peggy will be laid to rest next to her husband, privately, Saturday July 15, 2023 at Greenwood Cemetery, Weatherford, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org)