Peggy Lee Williams

Peggy Lee Williams of Missoula passed away at the age 80 on February 24, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Hospital after a courageous battle with multiple illnesses.

She was born on November 20, 1942, in Missoula, to Wade and Emmeline (McKittrick) Lee.  Peggy grew up in Missoula, attended St. Anthony’s Grade School, and was a 1960 graduate of Sentinel High School.  She then continued her education at The University of Montana, was a member of Delta Gamma sorority and graduated in 1964 with a degree in business education. While there, she met her future husband, Theodore (Ted) Williams.

She accepted a teaching position in Drumheller, Canada and after a year, returned to Missoula to marry Ted in 1965.  They then moved to Los Angeles where she accepted another teaching position while Ted worked on his Ph.D. at UCLA.

They moved to DeWitt, Michigan in 1972.  Peggy accepted a position as a business teacher at DeWitt High School and taught there for 25 years before retiring in 1997.  While teaching and raising a family, she obtained her Master’s in Secondary Education from Michigan State University. During her tenure at DHS, she served as student government advisor and was instrumental in creating new initiatives like Post-Prom and a Prom Dress Exchange.  By writing letters of recommendation and holding mock interviews, she also helped and encouraged many students to obtain college scholarships and jobs.

Peggy and Ted moved back to Montana after retirement.  They had a home in Missoula, where they enjoyed watching their grandsons’ numerous activities, especially football.  They also created many fond family memories at their home on Flathead Lake, swimming, boating, and enjoying s’mores by the campfire.  Peggy loved her family more than anything and always made time for them.  She also treasured her friendships.

Survivors include her two daughters, Wendy (Bob) Gustin of Lake Orion, Michigan and Jennifer Duvall of Missoula and her five grandchildren, Trevor and Jarod Duvall, and Grant, Olivia and Ava Gustin.  She is also survived by her sister, Barbara (Hike) Pollem of Polson.  She was preceded in death by Ted, her husband of 52 years, and her parents.

A celebration of life will take place at Flathead Lake this summer.  In lieu of flowers memorials in Peggy’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Flathead Lakers Association (flatheadlakers.org)