Peggy Mattson

Peggy Mattson, 87, of Waco, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. 

Funeral Services will be at 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 6th, at Wilkirson- Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. 

Peggy loved her Lord and Savior, and was a born again Christian. Peggy Mattson was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, to Reynold and Anna Mae (Pat) Ramer. She was a graduate of Ajo High School in Ajo, Arizona, where she was a member of the Raiderette Drill Team, but spent most of her childhood in Manitou Springs, Colorado. She received her B.A. from Grand Canyon College in Phoenix, Arizona. Peggy was a varsity cheerleader at Grand Canyon College and was voted by her classmates a Grand Canyon Beauty. In 1965, her husband Gary Mattson and sons Brent and Brian moved to Waco, Texas to raise and grow their family. Soon afterwards, their son Blake and daughter Shanna were born. 

Peggy was her children's biggest fan in every sport and endeavor, and she loved all of her grandchildren without hesitation. She was a spiritual leader in the home and introduced Jesus' love to each of her children. She wanted to create an environment to help her children have the opportunity to succeed in life. In regards to her daughter, Shanna was born with Downs Syndrome. Peggy never saw this as a detriment, but a blessing. With love and an unselfish heart, for over 50 years she took care of Shanna on a daily basis, often sacrificing her own personal freedoms. She believed that God chose her to take care of Shanna. To all that knew Peggy and Shanna, it was evident how much she loved Shanna. 

Peggy was also an excellent hostess for numerous church, community, and social gatherings at her home. Through the years, for family members, friends, and events, she was known to have large quantities of food ready on buffet tables, heating trays, and serving dishes, etc. For decades, she was an active member of First Baptist Waco, and served, along with her husband Gary, as Director of the Adult 2 Department. After her three boys left for college, Peggy began working at the Waco Chamber of Commerce as the Director of New Membership. She worked there for over a decade and oversaw membership sales, new business ribbon cuttings (famous for her big scissors), and was in charge of a group of Waco Chamber Ambassadors that she led and loved. She loved living in Waco. People used to fondly call her Ms. Waco, because she was out and about, with a big smile on her face, greeting new people and serving the community. She handled all of these responsibilities with eagerness and still, at the same time, she lovingly cared for her daughter Shanna with unselfishness. 

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Reynold Ramer and Pat and Gordon Malcolm; daughter, Shanna; her former husband, Gary Mattson; and her daughter-in-law, Dori Mattson. 

She is survived by her brothers, Gary Ramer and wife Martha, Larry Ramer and wife Sharon, and Bill Ramer and wife Jean. Peggy is also survived by her sons, Brent Mattson and wife Cindy, Brian Mattson, Blake Mattson and wife Shanna; and her grandchildren, Taylor ( Mattson) Tate and husband Mark, and their two children, great-grandaughters, Nora and Annie, Barrett Mattson and wife Katie, Benton Mattson, Carlyn Mattson and future grandson-in-law Spencer Davis, Court Mattson, and Malia Mae Mattson. 

The family would like to thank all of the staff of Wesley Woods for their great care and compassion. We would like to also thank Shirley, Peggy and Shanna's in-home care-giver. 

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Peggy in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.