Peggy Ellen Mace Jerrel was surrounded by family when she was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on October 30, 2021. She was born the daughter of Lloyd Fredrick and Vera Mace, March 19, 1931.
Peggy grew up in a two-room log cabin at Ranch Creek and attended a one room schoolhouse until she was 13. She and her siblings rode three miles by horseback on Rosebud Monk to get to school. Her family moved to Miles City in 1944. In Miles City, Peggy attended Custer County High School and worked at Holy Rosary Kitchen, Haley Grocery, and Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company.
On June 5, 1949, Peggy married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Jerrel. During this time, she worked for Dr. Arlo Nansel, DDS and supported Raymond in his trucking business, often travelling to meet up with him to bring repairs and/or responding to phone calls 24/7. Raymond and Peggy had a strong, loving bond and loved each other immensely. They enjoyed their family and many life-long friends. They loved travelling. Some of their favorite excursions were an exclusive camp in Africa, New Zealand, various cruises, and regular trips to Mexico and Las Vegas with friends. They also enjoyed socializing and were members of the Sage Riders and the Miles City Club.
In 1960, Raymond and Peggy welcomed Shawna into their lives and David joined the family in 1962. They were loving parents who always put their children first.
Church and family were very important to Peggy. She had strong religious beliefs and her church family was very important to her. Her interests included gardening, swimming, and golf. She also thoroughly enjoyed teaching and playing bridge. Peggy loved politics; she had no equal when arguing politics and she fiercely defended her point of view. She became the President of the Montana Motor Carriers in 1979 and was the first woman nationally to hold that position. In this role she testified for the interests of the trucking industry in Helena, MT and Washington DC. She also served on several boards including the Miles City Health Board. Peggy stood up for many people during her life and freely gave of her time to serve others.
Those who knew Peggy Ellen Jerrel were blessed by her presence in their lives. Peggy’s giving nature touched many lives and was an example for all of us. She demonstrated kindness and charity toward many, particularly the underdog, often without anyone knowing who had done the good deed.
Peggy is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, Raymond Jerrel, her two children David Jerrel (wife Sharla, son Corbin-deceased, and daughters McKinsey and Briar) and Shawna Jerrel Rothaus (husband Randy, sons Michael, Austin, Jaryd, and granddaughter Arya), and her sister Frances (Joel) Dudley-Mason. The siblings that preceded her in death are: Dan (Phyllis) Mace, Jeanne (Chet) Holst, Mary Ann (Wayne) Irion, Patsy (Bob) Magnesen, Katherine (Doug) Flint, Ray (Shirlee) Mace, Vera “Pong” (Charles) Carter and Max Mace (died in infancy). Peggy had 30 nieces and nephews, 47 Great-Nieces and Nephews, 39 Great-Great Nieces and Nephews.
Peggy Jerrel leaves a legacy through her manifestation of the spiritual principles of honesty, perseverance, courage, integrity, and brotherly love that we can all benefit from following.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Miles City Public Library, Custer County Art Center, Range Riders Museum, or Lutheran Welfare Social Services, Helena.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 5, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 6, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 5, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 6, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy.
Mary Smith Roig says
I’m so sorry for the loss of Peggy. . Prayers for the family and friends. I’ve known the Mace family and all the family since I was little
Cheryl Rainey Yasuda says
Shawna, David, and family: I offer my condolences and prayers for peace and comfort as you mourn the passing of your mother. May the memories be sweet and sustain you during this painful time. You have a wonderful heritage!
Ron & June Tibbetts says
Raymond & family. You are in our Prayers fir your loss of Peggy. We all so enjoyed visiting with Peggy. We will sure miss her🙏🙏🙏❤️
Deb Jerrel says
Rest in peace Aunt Peg💜
Curtis and Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Raymond, David, and Shanna; We are sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. It helps to know she is no longer suffering and is at peace. she was such a wonderful lady. Cheryl you were such a great help to Raymond these last few months. We missed Peg at coffee at the Main Grind.
Jim and Annalise Willson
Jessie Leidholt says
To Peggy’s family, Peggy was a very special lady and will be missed by those of us who were lucky enough to know her. She loved her family so much.
Pam Rogge says
My prayers and condolences to Peg’s family.
Marcy Parks says
David, Shawna, Ray, and family, I am so sorry! My heart goes out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Peg was a wonderful, caring, special lady who will be missed!
Jaid Beacham says
I want to extend my greatest love and sympathy to the Jerrel family. I have spent 6+ years being of service to the family at many different businesses, and getting to know them all has been my pleasure. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to know Peg very well. However, I’ve never seen a family go through such great lengths to be together for the big moments, and the little ones too. The loss is great, but your love for one another is powerful ❤️
TERRY & DEANNA MURNION says
Our prayers are with you
Cindy and Dale Berg says
We are so sorry for your loss . Peggy was quite a lady. Our prayers to you all.
Kristee Weischedel says
So sorry to hear of Peg’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with Peg anytime I saw her. Thoughts and prayers to each of you.
Tara Derenburger says
I am so sorry for your loss. Peggy was there for my grandparents, Leslie and Norlene Payne, when we lost my mother. Peggy also helped me numerous times when I was growing up. She was so caring and giving of her time. May she rest in peace.
BONNIE CURRAN says
So sorry for you loss. Very pleasant lady, she will be missed by many. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
AUDREY Damm Goyette says
Ray, Shawna, David and families, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am so many wonderful memories of the Jerrel family as a young 10-14 year old girl growing up across the street . Peggy was so helpful to me in so many ways and I had such respect and admiration for her. She was truly one in a million. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Arlen Alice h Miller says
Sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers for all the family, May she rest in peace
Patsy George Almy says
My mom frequently mentioned that she’d had the honor of having Peggy invite her to sing at her wedding. A favorite memory. Mom was always happy to have a nice visit with Peggy, and I also was pleased whenever I had the same opportunity. I know that they are “catching up” and once again enjoying the fellowship of friendship. Sincere sympathy for the loss the family now faces, and prayers for your comfort and strength in the days to come.
Mark Browning says
I want to express my sympathies to the Mace and Jerrel families after hearing of their loss of Peggy. I always valued her views and friendship and will hold those memories of her; a fine, strong and courageous lady.
Mary Ann Liles says
To Raymond, David, Shawna and families, I want to add to this long list of Peg’s admirers. She was always rock-solid and strong-willed and I just loved her. We shared some good visits at the jewelry stores over the years. My prayers are with you. Mary Ann Stockhill Liles
Audrey Haumschild and Greg Blind says
RIP 🙏 Peggy. Hugs and prayers are with your family and friends 🙏❤.
Sharon Gaughan says
Shawna, David, Ray and family, I am so sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. My sincere condolences.
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Peg’s family: may you remember the love she gave and hold those memories during this time of grief. Doug and my prayers for comfort for your family.
Vikki Bradley says
So Sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. She was such a lovely lady.
Carol Bean says
David, Sharla, and girls. We are so sorry for your loss. Treasure your memories. Love and prayers.
JR & Carol
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Ray, David, Shawna and all your extended family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Peg had one of the best reputations in Miles City and Custer County for her very giving and helpful spirit. She will be missed, but her memories will live on forever.
Denise Johnson Craigen says
Uncle Raymond, Shawna, David and families, Aunt Peg was an amazing adventurous lady and I’m so lucky to have been able to visit with her every summer these last few years. I’m sorry I can’t be there with you all now but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Denise
Kriss Erickson says
Raymond, Shawna and David and families, please accept my condolences on the passing of Peggy. Peg was no shrinking violet, when it came her family, MT trucking business and community. Peggy shared with me her history growing up and her love and pride of Shawna, David and their families. I could hear her smile, over the phone, when speaking of her grandkids. She was a woman ahead of her time as the President of the Montana Motor Carriers. She told me how she enjoyed her trips to Washington D.C. and Helena on behalf of the trucking industry in Montana. I am grateful for our phone visits.
Ken B Cook says
No one can say enough good things about this women. Smart, engaging, faithful, honest and above all she loved her family immensely. I always enjoyed our visits in person or on the phone. My heart goes out to Ray, Shawna and David in this time of grieving. Peg will be missed and will remain in our prayers. Rest In Peace
Shoty & Judy says
Raymond,David and family so sorry for your loss praying that God will give you the strength now and in the days to come
Connie Genger says
Peg’s family: I always admired and respected Peg. She surely was a strong, independent woman who did a lot for the community. Sorry for your loss. Connie
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry for your loss
Kathy Culy says
My thoughts are with you all durning this sad time…
Peg was one of a kind and i have many memories of trips to Spearfish camping,,Rapid City and sledding Woodruff park..
Peggy always took as many neighborhoods kids that would fit in her station wagon and off we’d go… with a camper pop up …
Grand memories of a Great Lady… my heart hurts for you all ❤️
Andy Mitzkus says
Sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing.
Joe Bramhall says
Jerrel Family, Condolences for the loss of Peggy. Jerrel Inc was my first employer, Peggy being my first “boss” due to insurance not covering me at the shop. Many fond memories shopping at Reynolds’s and taking care of the dailies. She taught me many valuable life lessons. RIP wonderful person.
Debbie Koehler Jurad says
Peggy, you were a bright light in this world! I have so many dear memories hanging out with Shawna and roadtrips with Peggy. I admired your welcoming nature and show of strength when needed. Raymond, Shawna, David and Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. My sincerest prayers and love are with you all. May God keep watch over you all.
Nancy Horn says
Peg was a very special lady! She was a good friend of my mom, Alberta Smith, and they did many activities and trips together as couples. She was supportive and caring to all of us after dad and then mom died. We’ll all miss you Peggy.
Jeri Dalbec says
So very sorry. RIP Peggy.
Mimi Moreno Gallagher says
To the family of Peg Jerrel:
I want to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. Peg was a good friend of my mother, Doris Moreno. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Donnie Rooney says
Jerrell family I’m so sorry for your loss of Peggy.I didn’t know her that well but knew her husband Ray.He hauled wheat for my dad Larry Rooney for many years ago.R,I
P Peggy.
Amanda Hartgrave says
Love you so much Aunt Peg!!!! So sorry everyone my condolenses wish we could be there. Prayers an love to everybody in this time… Rest in Peace now
Susan Moreno says
Thoughts and prayers for your family. Ed and I will always remember the great excursions as kids. Her laugh, smile and great heart …she will always be with us in memories 😇😇
Austin Rothaus says
She was such a great grandma. Her love knew no end. She was always there and helpful. I miss sitting in the living room with her and watching the old TV shows on the floor in front of the TV. I know she’s become an amazing angel up there and she’s watching over all of us right now. We love you grandma.
Larry McGill says
I will miss our chats Peg, they were always educational and often surprising. I loved hearing about an evening spent with Gene Autry during the “Bucking Horse Sale”.
We always loved to see you Peg and will miss you.
God’s speed Peg.
Amy Schmidt Ray says
I was sorry to hear about Peg’s passing. It’s hard to think of her as gone—she was such a force. I will never forget when she took me, Julie, Tom, and Lucy with your family to the Black Hills. What a wonderful trip it was, and such a kind thing for a neighbor to do.
Wishing you peace.