Peggy Jean McMullen

Peggy Jean McMullen, 88, of Stayton, Oregon, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, in Salem, Oregon.

Peggy was born on September 12, 1937, in Amory, Mississippi, to Lee Roy Duke and Mary Estelle (Honea) Duke. She spent her early childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi. After her parents’ divorce, her family moved several times before eventually settling in Arcadia, California, where Peggy completed high school.

She attended the University of Redlands and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. In 1958, she married Wayne Bowlby, and together they welcomed two daughters, Teresa and Jeanette. During Wayne’s service in the United States Navy, Peggy began her teaching career in Honolulu, Hawaii. Over the years she taught in many communities, including Plainview, Texas, and Central California.

Peggy also dedicated several years to service with Mennonite Christian Service, which took her to South Texas and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. After completing four years in Christian Service, she moved to San Diego, California, where she continued her career in education for more than 20 years.

Following her divorce from Wayne in 1988, Peggy later met Max McMullen. They were married on July 17, 1993, in San Diego, California. Peggy and Max lived in California until retiring in 1999, when they moved to Talent, Oregon. In 2005, they relocated to Stayton, Oregon, where Peggy lived for the remainder of her life. Max preceded her in death in October 2012.

Peggy remained active and deeply involved in the life of Bethel Baptist Church. She treasured her Bible study groups, fellowship with friends, and the regular women’s tea gatherings she attended. She also loved reading cookbooks, trying new recipes, and spending time with family.

Her days often began with cheerful group texts shared with her daughters and granddaughter, exchanging photos of her beloved great-granddaughter and keeping up with the small and meaningful details of daily life. Peggy was surrounded by love, friendship, and a strong faith that guided her throughout her life.

Peggy is survived by her daughters, Teresa Honea Horvath of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Jeanette Diane Rosenberg and her husband Dave of Sacramento, California; stepchildren Linda Jean McMullen-Heitmann and her husband Tom of Queensland, Australia, and Ginger Rae McMullen of Sacramento, California; grandchildren Sarah Danielle Watts of Las Vegas, Nevada, Sharon Elise Rosenberg of Liverpool, England, and Mitchell Robert Rosenberg of Brooklyn, New York; and her great-granddaughter Zoey Danielle Watts.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Max McMullen, and her stepson, Bruce Alan McMullen.

A memorial service will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville, Oregon, on Saturday, March 21, at 2:00 PM.

Peggy will be laid to rest beside her husband Max at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church.