Peggy Jean Junes, 71, of Lewiston, passed away Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born April 20, 1952, in White Cloud, Kan., to Chanito “John” and Ellen (Benson) Torrez.
She moved from Kansas with her family at the age of 5 and the family settled in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.
Peggy married Ralph Hale in 1971 and spent the next 21 years together.
She later met Darrel Junes and they eventually married. Peggy and Darrel divorced after spending 21 years together in total.
Peggy was employed with the U.S. Postal Service for 34 years, finally retiring in 2022 from her rural mail route in the Anatone area.
Peggy attended Anatone School, then in 1998, received her GED at Lewis-Clark State College and walked alongside her daughter, who received her GED at the same time. This example inspired Peggy’s siblings who later earned their own GED.
Peggy loved Bingo games and visits to the Oregon Coast. She was a diehard Seattle Seahawks and Golden State Warriors fan; however, she would always root for the Kansas City Chiefs as long as they were not playing against Seattle.
Above all, Peggy’s unconditional love for family and friends came first in her life. She was known for her loving, non-judgmental ways. She maintained an open-door policy to anyone — no matter their struggle — offering hospitality, food, lodging and whatever else was needed.
Peggy is survived by her sisters: Theresa “Terri/Sissy” Torrez-Pangle; Pamela Torrez-Herzog and Mary Torrez-Curry; her sons: Timothy Torrez; Bradley Torrez, of Pleasant Hill, Mo.; and John Hale; daughter Jessica Hale; grandsons Trevor Torrez and Gavin Judkins; granddaughters: Karissa Kinard and Makayla Adams; and great-grandkids: Parker and Nelli Torrez.
She is preceded in death by her father Chanito “John” Torrez, of Leon, Mexico; mother Ellen (Benson) Torrez; sister Norma Conchita and brother Chanito “John/Buddy” Torrez.
A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 6, at the First Church of God, 910 Sycamore St., Clarkston, with refreshments available following the service. Pastor Shann Profitt will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any Lewis Clark Credit Union branch under Jessica J. Hale or at the service. The family thanks you in advance.
A celebration of life and covered-dish meal will be held later the same day starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Lewiston Community Center, 1424 Main St., Lewiston.
