Peggy Tholen

Peggy (Yohon) Tholen, 66, of Garnett, Kansas, died December 31, at home with her family after a long battle with multiple systems atrophy. She was born September 10, 1950 to the late Robert Yohon and Helen (Link) Yohon in Iola, Kansas. Peggy graduated from Iola High School in 1968 and received a Bachelor's of Science in mathematics education and a minor in German education from Kansas State Teachers College (Emporia State University) in 1972. She married Richard Tholen in 1972 and they lived together in Garnett, Kansas. She was a loving wife and cofounded Plumbing and Heating Unlimited with Richard. She spent a great deal of time helping run the business, answering phone calls and sending out statements. Peggy taught math at Garnett High School/Anderson County High School for 33 years and inspired students to learn math by setting algebraic formulas to music. She always made time to tutor anyone who asked her for help. She loved trivia and coached the scholars bowl team. Peggy was nominated Kansas Teacher of the Year in 2003 and she was honored to be selected by multiple valedictorians as their favorite teacher and to attend the Governor's Valedictorian Luncheon with them. Peggy took parenting classes prior to the birth of her first daughter. Parenting education became so important to her that she became an instructor and taught parenting classes locally with her friend Phyllis Cobbs. Peggy was very involved at Holy Angels Catholic Church where she led music during mass, singing and playing the guitar, sang in the choir, served on the liturgy committee, lectored, and organized vacation bible school for several years. She loved to travel and Peggy and Richard were able to travel extensively with friends following her retirement from teaching. Peggy was also part of the Chamber Players community theater, and thoroughly enjoyed performing in several plays. Peggy was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother. She coached her daughters’ softball teams, and was a leader in their 4-H club, Lucky 13. She never missed a game or performance of her daughters. She was excited to become a grandmother and loved playing with and spoiling her grandchildren. She made a point to attend every birthday party. Peggy is survived by her husband Richard; daughters: Kyle DeGruy of Atlanta, Georgia, and Kara Wry of Downers Grove, Illinois; sons-in-law Glen DeGruy and Derek Wry; grandchildren: Glen DeGruy (6), Blake DeGruy (2), and Eleanor Wry (4); siblings: Roberta Sinclair, Patty Haen, and Don Yohon; and in-laws: Paul Sinclair, Stephen Haen, and Teresa Yohon. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 7, 2017 at the Holy Angels Catholic Church, Garnett. The family will greet friends following a Rosary at 6:30 PM, Friday evening at the Holy Angels Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Rose Catholic School or Holy Angels Catholic Church. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .