Peggy McKnight

Peggy Jean McKnight (née Steward) passed peacefully to embark on her next adventure on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at her home at Cedarhurst of St. Charles.

Peggy was born in St. Louis, MO, on September 14, 1939, to Imogene (née Hicks) and Louis Edward Steward. She spent her early years in Fisk, MO with her grandparents, while her mother worked at an ammunitions factory during WWII. She graduated from Central High School in St Louis, class of 1957, where she sharpened her social skills. She was a member of prom court, played softball, and even played the bass drum in the school marching band.

After graduation, she joined Emerson Electric, where she was affectionately known as “Payroll Peggy.” It was there she met her future husband, David, exchanging notes via a security guard stationed between their buildings. David and Peggy married on October 10, 1959, at Grace Lutheran Chapel, where a tornado passed overhead during their ceremony.

While raising her children, Peggy worked as a lunch lady at Jana School before working full-time as a receptionist for Florissant dentists Dr. John Reilly and Dr. Paul Herrin. Peggy’s attention to detail, despite some challenges with new technology, made it a job she loved. Officially retiring after 25 years, she then worked part-time for Vet Stop Animal Clinic.

Peggy cherished all the family holiday traditions. Every Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, she and her daughter baked a different variety of holiday cookies. She also enjoyed meticulously painting wooden holiday ornaments with her son and decorating the tree with vintage family decorations. In her later years, the tree stayed up all year round.

Peggy was the ultimate caretaker for others throughout her life, caring for her mother, mother-in-law, two aunts and her husband, so it’s only fitting that she was cared for by so many kind and compassionate people while at Cedarhurst. She spent her first summer there going on restaurant outings, scenic bus rides, and attending every happy hour event she could (110 and counting). Always wanting to be busy, she loved to arrange flowers, attend exercise classes, fold laundry, and once even toured the EMTs around the building. Special thanks to “Dr.” Austin, Iris, Melinda, Lily, Destiny, Emily, and the entire team on the Memory Care floor. Please forgive us for those we haven’t mentioned by name but know that your presence in Peggy’s life was so appreciated. Also, many thanks to Jess and everyone from St. Croix Hospice who cared for her in her final 13 months.

Peggy was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, David C. McKnight; her mother; her father; and her stepfather, Charles Faulkner. We’re confident the many dogs she loved in her life were waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge.

Peggy is survived by her daughter, Robin Thompson (Michael); her son, Jeffrey (Karen); four grandchildren – Matt Thompson (Tessah Emerson), Raechel Restifo (Rich), Collin Thompson (Sierra), and Rhys McKnight (Analisa Love-Tedjoutomo); one great-granddaughter, Violet Thompson; and former daughter-in-law, Dr. Rhiannon McKnight. Peggy is also survived by her nephews, Craig and Kevin McKnight, and former sister-in-law, Karen McKnight. She met her half-sister, Marilyn Albin, later in life, and both were delighted to learn they shared a love of ladybugs. 

Services: The family is being served by The Baue Funeral and Memorial Center, 3950 West Clay Street, St. Charles, MO. Friends may greet the family on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 10:30 am, immediately followed by a memorial service at 11:30. Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Peggy’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.