Peggy L. Phairas

Peggy Phairas, 60, of Eau Claire, was taken home to be with her Lord & Savior on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph with her family at her side. Peggy fought a courageous battle with ALS for 7 years. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Colfax & Kline, in Benton Harbor, with Rev. Martin Weigand officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Berrien Springs. Visitation with the family will be held this evening, Monday, February 18, 2008, from 5:00 to 8:00 at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, in St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either ALS of West Michigan or to St. Matthew’s Church Alter Guild. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Peggy was born December 15, 1947, in Benton Harbor. She was one of two children born to Robert & Betty Watson. She was raised in New Carlisle, IN. Peggy worked for Whirlpool Corp. for over 15 years. She married George Phairas on October 2, 1993, in Benton Harbor. Together they enjoyed camping throughout Michigan with their family. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Peggy “always had a smile and a big thank you and something nice to say to everyone.” She will be missed by her family and by her many friends and new found friends at the ALS Support Group. Peggy is survived by her loving husband, George; children, Sherri (Jim) Phairas of Coloma, Lisa (Tom) Gilbert of Tecumseh, MI, Steve Phairas of Cassopolis, MI,and Dawn(Bryan) Parsons of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Ashley, Austin, Cory, Austin, Brooklyn, Alex, Morgan, and Kayln; brother, Bob (Patty) Watson of Greenwood, IN; and by her nieces, Kathy Love and Kim (Matt) Zimmerman. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents.