Peggy Jo Prowse

Peggy Jo Prowse began life at home in Hagarville, Arkansas on August 26, 1932 and departed on September 22, 2026. She was the youngest of 6 children born to Jim and Orpha Hodges. She married Jack Prowse on June 2, 1950 and they had 4 daughters: Jackie, Debra, Susan and Diane. All of the girls became strong, independent women.

Married life began in McCleary, moved to Jacksonville, NC and eventually settled in Lacey in 1967. Mom was proud of her home, decorated it for every season and enjoyed entertaining friends and family.

Although she considered her most important job raising the girls, she also spent several years as a teaching assistant at South Bay and Lakes elementaries. When the girls were in school, she always volunteered as “room mother”, baking cakes, bringing goodies and assisting in activities.

Mom enjoyed life. She and Jack were avid golfers, belonging to Capitol City Golf Club, competing in tournaments around Washington, and made many friends doing so. She was a member of “New Comers” for many years. She also had been a member of Eastern Star with some of her daughters participating in Rainbow Girls.

Mom was a brilliant bridge player and belonged to several bridge groups. She loved her bridge ladies – especially Donna – her best friend and partner. Any excuse to laugh and have the occasional martini (3 olives required).

Her twice weekly trips to the casino for dinner and slots with granddaughter Julie were always an adventure that she thoroughly cherished and wouldn’t miss if at all possible.

Other passions included the Huskies, Seahawks, Mariners and her beloved Sonics – although they all exasperated her!

Mom was always up for a trip –Germany, Canada, Rhode Island, Kauai, California, Oregon, Idaho – or the road trip that she and sister Winnie made back to Missouri while both of them were in their eighties. The two of them laughed their way across the country and back. Giggling like school girls every time the GPS told them to do a U-turn when they could safely do so. The family was terrified and proud at the same time.

Mom was cherished and dearly loved. Her laughter, wit and commitment to family will be sorely missed.

She was predeceased by husband Jack, daughter Debra, and sons-in-law Jim and Jeff. She is survived by daughters Jackie (Jerry), Susan and Diane, along with granddaughter Julie (Mark), great-granddaughter Megan (Granny’s Favorite), sister Louise, and numerous nephews and nieces.

At Peggy’s request, no funeral will be held. A celebration of her love and life will be later this Fall.

Remembrances in her name are encouraged to the Jeff Wilmoth Scholarship fund through North Thurston Education Foundation.