Obituary for Peggy Pifer Neal

Peggy Pifer Neal, age 89, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, in Kenton, Ohio. She was a fiercely independent, resilient, and deeply loving woman who lived a beautiful life defined by grace, achievement, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Born in Kenton, Ohio on December 14, 1936, Peggy learned the values of strength and independence from a very young age. As a proud cheerleader at Kenton High School, class of 1954, she cherished the wonderful, lifelong friendships she forged during those formative years.

Always courageous and eager to explore the world, Peggy launched an exciting career as a flight attendant with TWA in the 1950s, flying to glamorous destinations such as Cuba and Hawaii. Her profound love for travel never faded, later translating into countless beautifully organized family trips where she shared the wonders of the world and the beauty of all 50 states with those she loved most.

In 1957, at the age of 20, her sister, Sally, was killed in an automobile accident. Peggy stepped away from her beloved airline career to return home, serving as a dutiful daughter and grieving alongside her parents.

On August 6, 1960, Peggy married Joe Neal, and together they built a wonderful life and a beautiful, close-knit family. She was immensely proud of her children, Angela and Amy, never failing to be their ultimate, lifelong cheerleader. Her joy only multiplied with the arrival of her grandchildren and great-grandchild, who gave her endless reasons to brag and smile.

Peggy was a cornerstone of her community. In 1969, she dedicated herself to teaching preschool at the First United Methodist Church. For 20 years, she helped shape the very first school experiences of countless local children with her signature warmth, care, and patience. When that chapter closed, she seamlessly transitioned into a successful career in real estate with Century 21, consistently winning top awards for her sales and dedication to her clients. Peggy happily supported her community throughout her life donating her time to many local causes.

An exceptionally active person, Peggy loved playing golf and tennis, and she was fiercely dedicated to walking 10,000 steps a day. Her doctor even jokingly noted to his wife that, “Peg was the absolute model patient, still out there crushing her walks at 87 years old”. When she later suffered a stroke, she fought back fiercely against the daily hurdles of recovery, proving to everyone that she was, and always will be, a warrior.

Peggy’s boundless energy, unwavering strength, and endless love will live on eternally in the hearts of her family, friends, and the community she served so beautifully.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Margaret (McKinley) Pifer and her beloved sister, Sally Pifer. She is survived by her devoted husband, Joe Neal of Kenton; her loving children, Angela Kimmel of Kenton and Amy (Scott) Neal Shubert of Charleston, SC; her cherished grandchildren Ben (Molly) Kimmel of Worthington, OH; Maggie (Jack) Kimmel Brubaker of Upper Arlington, OH; Cole (Claire) Shubert of Belton, TX and Carter Shubert of Charlotte, NC; great-grandchild Rosemary Brubaker; and a community of friends and former students who will miss her dearly.

Because of her love of teaching and reading, memorial contributions may be made to Mary Lou Johnson-Hardin County Library (www.MLJLibrary.org) or Kenton First Methodist Church (www.kentonfirst.org).

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Kenton First Methodist Church, 234 N. Main Street, Kenton, Ohio; Rev. Mike Schneider officiating.  Reception immediately follows.  Private gravesite service at Grove Cemetery, Kenton, Ohio.

Schindewolf Stout Crates Funeral Home has been honored to serve the Neal family.