BETHANY, MO: Peggy June Rinehart was carried into eternal life following a car accident on April 23rd. She was 86 years old. Peggy was a longtime resident of Bethany, MO. Peggy was born in Cainsville, MO June 1st, 1929 to Blanche and Charles Jones and was married to the love of her life, Wayne Rinehart, on January 16th, 1948. Peggy was a lover of life and people and truly emanated joy. She was a devoted follower of Christ, an adoring wife, a beloved mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. Her effervescent personality and laugh brought happiness to all who knew her.
Peggy was the pianist and organist for First Baptist Church bringing sweet melodies to the sanctuary for over 50 years. Peggy established the first youth choir at the church, and participated in and directed the adult choir. Peggy, her husband Wayne, and their friends travelled throughout the state singing in a travelling quartet at fairs, church events, and revivals. Peggy remained a devoted servant leader at the church throughout her life. In addition to serving the church, Peggy blazed trails for women becoming the first female Vice President of the Bethany Trust Company. She also served as the interim president of the bank shortly before her retirement.
True to form, Peggy took on retirement with the same gusto. She established and supported the Golden Key club. She was also actively involved in the garden club, the hospital auxiliary, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Red Hat Club. She was a grey legislature advisor and an ombudsman for area nursing homes. Peggy was also an accomplished oil portrait painter. Above all else, Peggy loved to be with her family and friends. She was kind, generous and joyful. The world is a brighter place because she lived.
Peggy is preceded in death by her mother, Blanche Jones; husband of 50 years, Wayne Rinehart; son, Jack Rinehart; brothers, Jerry and John Jones; sisters, Patsy Daily, Mary Jo Seeley, and Anne Messersmith. Peggy’s spirit will be carried on by her beloved children, Debbie (Rinehart) DeLong and husband, Jim; Doug Rinehart and wife Teri; daughter-in-law, Dottie Rinehart; grandchildren, Stefanie (DeLong) Clarke, Andrea DeLong, Barrett DeLong, Chase Dekrell, Alexis Dekrell, Isabella Arias; great grandchild, Ensley Clarke, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and Teddy, her favorite canine buddy.
Services celebrating Peggy’s life and legacy will be held at First Baptist Church, Bethany Missouri on April 29th at 10:30am. Internment graveside service will follow at Miriam Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 28th from 6:00-8:00 at First Baptist Church.
Memorial gifts are suggested to South Harrison Band Fund or First Baptist Church Music Fund. Tributes may be left at www.bethanymemorialchapel.com.