Peggy Ann (Mesley) Epps
Peggy Ann (Mesley) Epps passed away peacefully on February 21, 2017 in Houston, Texas after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born September 9, 1947 in Monett, Missouri. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Frank J. Mesley and Gladys V. (White) Mesley.
She will be deeply missed by her husband of 50 years, Ronald Epps; a brother Stephen Mesley and his wife Yolanda of San Antonio, Texas; nieces Valerie Mesley and Stephanie Smith of San Antonio, Texas.
Peggy grew up in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, graduating from Mt. Vernon High School. She started nursing school at the Burge School of Nursing in Springfield, Missouri. She finished her nursing degree in 1969 at Herrman Hospital in Houston, Texas. She stayed at Herrman and eventually became the head nurse for Pediatrics. Later she began working as a surgical nurse for Dr. Isador Epstein, a general surgeon at Bayshore Hospital in Pasadena, Texas. Fifteen years later, Dr. Dixie Melillo (co-founder of the Rose Foundation) took over the practice with Peggy spending almost fifteen years helping Dixie in surgery and managing an office that specialized in breast cancer treatment. After retiring, Peggy spent two years as a Hospice volunteer, receiving the Hospice Volunteer of the Year from “Vitas” for her dedication to patients.
Peggy never once questioned her decision to become a registered nurse. For 35 plus years, she was always active in giving of herself to help others. Peggy reflected a woman of great intelligence, compassion, and humility. She was a treasure in every way with elegance, style, kindness, and patience. Ron always considered himself to be a lucky man to have Peggy as a lifelong companion as they enjoyed every aspect of a wonderful life together.
As The Parkinson’s slowly took its terrible toll on everyday living, she never complained and together she and Ron took life one day at a time. Peggy knew what the future held and was courageous to the end. Peggy is now at peace.
A very special thanks to the staff and especially the caregivers at Autumn Leaves of Clear Lake. Also, a very special thanks for all the great help from the folks at Good Shepherd Hospice Care.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, Feb 24th at 2:00 pm at the Crowder Funeral Home, 111 E. Medical Center Blvd, with graveside services at Summit Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Missouri at a later date.
Ron, I did not know Peggy but I am sorry for your loss. Fifty years together, how lucky you were. Hell, I’m not much older than that. You may not remember me as we did not pal around around but I have always admired and respected you. The Ron Epps I know will make the necessary adjustments and move on with life. It may take a little while but you will make it. I am not sure how valuable my prayers are, but I will say a prayer for you and yours. Love you man! To help you remember I retired in 1998 from the VITT. Big Frank Newman
“Bit by bit it comes over us that we shall never again hear the laughter of our friend, that this garden is locked against us. And at that moment comes our true mourning, which, though it may not be rending, is yet a little bitter. For nothing, in truth, can replace that companion. Old friends cannot be created out of hand. It is idle, having planted an acorn in the morning, to expect that afternoon to sit in the shade of the oak.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Ron,
I am so sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. She was such a joy at Autumn Leave when we were there. Prayers for peace and comfort for you and your family during this difficult time.
Gerri Martisek
Our sympathies to you, Ron. Pastor K and Elaine
Ron took such good care of Peggy.
Ron, there are no words that can ease your pain, but you all have been in our prayers and thoughts. We do remember all the good times we have had in the past, and will remember Peggy in the same way. We know that J.T. and Martha have been and will be there for you. Your Friends, Betty and Chuck
We all loved you Peggy, and you will be missed.
Our sympathy to Ron and family.
Ron,
I can only imagine what it feels like for a spouse leave the other behind. The last time that you and I talked, you told me what you and Peggy had decided as for as the situation. From that conversation, I gathered this much and I would like to share it with you through Scripture. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. It is my prayer that you will continue to hold on just as Peggy did and be courageous. If Peggy could tell you now, I can imagine her saying to you the words of
2 Timothy 4:6-8 which says, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” You and your family are in my prayers. Be Blessed!
What a special lady! My thoughts & prayers are with you Ron.
Ron, you took such good care of your very special bride. You had so many good times together. My thoughts are with you my friend. Take care of yourself.
Ron,
You and Peggy were part of a special generation of people that met, became a team, and enjoyed life to its fullest no matter what obstacles were placed before you. I remember the Dallas Cowboy/Washington Redskins games at your house. What great times those were. May God hold you and your family in his hands, comfort you, and give you peace in the reflections of the blessings you brought to each other.
The world lost a lovely lady…….our thoughts are with you Ron.
Ron, our deepest sympathies…may our sweet loved one rest easy now.
Dear Ron, I can’t begin to feel what you are feel at this time. I know your heart is heavy and there is a feeling of great emptiness. Even Jesus wept at the death of his good friend Lazarus, how could we not do the same. Celebrate the time you shared together and be glad. Stay strong my friend.
Ron, I’m am so sadden to hear the passing of your wonderful wife. I only got to meet her a few times years ago but each meeting always left a wonderful feelings of being around her.
Please know you and your entire family are in my prayers
I am so sorry for your loss!!
I am so sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. I remember her as being so full of life and as such a kind and caring lady, always with a big smile. My thoughts and prayers are with her and you, Ron.
Ron,
I was very sorry to hear about your wife and I understand how hard it has been for you and will continue to be during this time. You and the family are in my prayers.
Ron, I am sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed.
Pete
Ron, we are deeply saddened to hear of Peggy’s passing. We are so sorry for the loss of your dear, Peggy. You two were a loving , wonderful pair. We are thankful to have shared a fun, laughter filled week with her while skiing in Telluride. Take care, Ron. Hope to see you this Summer.
Ron,
I am saddened by Peggy’s passing. She was a wonderful person and she will be missed. You took great care of your loving wife. She was special in all ways. She is now an angel in heaven. Prayers to you and your family.
Ron-
I always told you that you were a lucky man to have Peggy in your life. Nurses are the sweetest people in the world. Whenever she came to NASA functions I always chatted with her because she was so warm and welcoming. Her loss is a heck of a hole in your life. But she is at peace; take solace in that. My prayers are with your families.
God Bless you Peggy – you touched SO MANY people!
Ron, you are in our thoughts and prayers. The Lord will guide you through these difficult times and help ease the pain over time, while working with you to keep the 50+ years of blessed memories.
Ron, our deepest sympathies to you and your family. So many wonderful memories growing up in Mt. Vernon. So thankful Peggy is at peace. Please give my best to Steven.
I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences to all the Epps family. There’s such a sense of helplessness when someone we love dies. I’d like to share some scriptural thoughts that really helps me. Prayer is so valuable at this time but it’s not that prayer simply makes us feel better. 2 Cor.4:7 says that God can give us, “… power beyond what is normal “, to go from one day to the next. This does not mean that we no longer cry or that we forget, but it means we recover. The reason we recover is because of our hope. Jesus Christ talked about our hope in John 5:28, “… all those in the memorial tomb will hear his voice and come out “. Jesus was referring to the resurrection, this is our amazing hope! 2 Cor.1:3 describes our Creator as, “… the God of all comfort “. One way that God comforts us is by moving people who care about us to give us words of encouragement that we need to hear. May the God of comfort (Ps.83:18) be your comfort now during this time of sorrow.
Ron, we offer our condolences. We remember Peggy’s smiling face, acts of kindness and her eagerness to lend a helping hand. Peggy would light up the room – her first words were, “What can I do to help?”. Peggy’s life reflects a legacy of good work and commitment. She will always remain a happy memory. She will be greatly missed.
Ron,
Marilyn and I are so sorry for your loss! We do remember all the great times we had together with Peggy and you. Please accept our sympathies to you and all of your family. We’re so sorry Peggy and you had to deal with such a dreadful illness so long.
Unfortunately, we cannot be at today’s service for Peggy. But we will be there in spirit. You and your family have our prayers and we hope to see you later when you have time.
Love ya Man!!
Nat and Marilyn
My heart goes out to you, Ron, as you must go on without your sweet Peg. Peggy was not just my dear friend, but everyone’s friend. She was such a kind, compassionate soul which made her an incredible nurse. I loved that we always stayed in touch and cherished her letters at Christmas time. I will miss her dearly. My deepest sympathy and love to you Ron and to Steve. Thanks for loving her so tenderly.
Sorry to hear of your loss Ron. Lorie and I fondly remember the times we spent with you guys what seems like a million years ago. Take care and know we are grieving with you.
Ron, so terribly sorry to read of Peggy’s passing. I do envy the two of you having 50 years together…such a vanishing commodity in this day and age but you two had one of the precious treasures of life.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Peggy. She was a beautiful woman inside and out.
Ron, it’s been a long time since we last saw each other; I had no idea that you and your dear wife were going through such difficult times. I am so very sorry to hear of Peggy’s passing. As others have said, hopefully the fact that she is now at peace, and no longer suffering, will provide you some amount of solace. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
Ron – we are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember Peggy as a smiling, positive person who loved life and loved you. You were such a wonderful couple and having 50 years together is something rare these days. She will be missed by a great many people including us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wow Ron, I was so surprized when I heard of Peggy and your great great loss in such a wonderful wife. My heart goes out to you deeply, as you know while I was working at NASA her and I became so close and became lunch buddies. I am so sorry we drifted apart over the years after retirement. I loved Peggy dearley with all my heart and enjoyed our winter and summer trips together. My heart bleeds for your loss and I know GOD will give you the strength to carry on over time. I will call you when the time is right. We love you both dearly. Teena Still
* Ron, I was surprized when I found out. We are out of pocket, so as soon as we are back home I will be in touch with you. Peggy was one of my favorite lunch buddies while I worked at NASA and will be truely missed. Love you and know we are thinking of you and have you in our prayers. Love Teena Still
Peg was a great lady. I always enjoyed our time together way back when. God bless her and God bless you too, Ron.
Dear Ron, Oscar and I are so, so sorry for your loss of happy Peggy. She was always a joy to see, hear, and talk at the Parkinson’s exercise group in Webster. I know that you will miss her dearly, but she is in your heart, and this will help you adjust to your new life. God bless Peggy and you and your family. Always, Maggie and Olszewski
Ron, so sorry for your loss. I did not know Peggy well, but deeply admired her from our acquaintance with the ski club. She was a kind and gentle soul and will be missed.