Peggy Joy Barkes, 89, of Dowagiac, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
A Celebration of Peggy’s life will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, with Bill Gibson, from Dowagiac Church of Christ, officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00PM to 7:00PM, Thursday, February 26th at Clark Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Peggy’s memory.
Peggy was born on August 7, 1936, in Dyersburg, TN, to Annie B. Dykes and David Dykes. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother – John Dykes; beloved husband – Leonard Barkes; sons – Bruce Turnbow and Ben Turnbow; and her granddaughters – Leslie Turnbow and Ashley Turnbow.
She is lovingly remembered by her children – Phylis (Larry) Koppman, James (Rena) Turnbow, Tom (Marci) Turnbow, Jeff (Michelle) Turnbow, and Yvonne (David) Jones; Daughter-In-Law – Lori Turnbow(Johns); 16 grandchildren; a great number of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and sisters – Barb (Tom) Wells and, Alice (Rickey) Muzzal – who will carry forward her legacy of love, strength, and faith.
Peggy dedicated more than 30 years of her life to working at Jessup’s, where she was known for her strong work ethic and friendly spirit. After retirement, her servant’s heart led her to volunteer at Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital in Dowagiac, where she was honored as Volunteer of the Year for her unwavering dedication and compassion.
An avid baseball fan, Peggy was a devoted supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals and rarely missed a chance to cheer them on. She found joy in life’s simple treasures—spending hours happily thrifting and garage saling, always on the lookout for a good bargain or a special find.
Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her actions and shaping the way she loved others. But above all, Peggy’s greatest pride and deepest devotion was her family. First and foremost, she was a mother and grandmother. Her children, grandchildren, and generations beyond were the center of her world.
Peggy was known for her strength, humor, and no-nonsense love. Family members will fondly remember the long-running joke about “Granny’s combat boots.” Whenever someone stepped out of line, Granny would threaten to lace up her combat boots and set things straight—a loving reminder that she expected the best from those she cherished.
Peggy’s legacy of faith, resilience, humor, and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Memorial Contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Service Details
Visitation
When
February 26th, 2026 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Where
Clark Chapel
Address
405 Center St.
DOWAGIAC, MI 49047
Service
When
February 27th, 2026 11:00am
Where
Clark Chapel
Address
405 Center St.
Dowagiac , MI 49047
Interment
Where
St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park
Address
375 W Cleveland Rd
Granger , IN 46530