Peggy Barkelew

Peggy Ann Barkelew, 86, of Littleton, Colorado, passed away peacefully with family by her side on January 21, 2023.

Peggy was born in Shelbina, Missouri to Brinkley M. Barkelew & Mabel (Glaves) Barkelew on July 5, 1936. She graduated from Shelbina High School in 1954.

After graduation she went to Business School in Quincy Illinois and upon receiving her certificate, started a job with Gardner Denver company in Quincy, Illinois. In 1960, she moved to Denver, Colorado and started her career at Martin Marietta soon after. She held several responsible positions over her 38 year career starting as an administrative assistant and ending her career as the Sr Manager of Protocol for Lockheed Martin Denver when she retired in 1998. Peggy often traveled to Launch Sites and Government Customer facilities to coordinate events and important meetings.

Peggy had a passion for snow skiing over the years. She and three very good friends (Marge Losey, Jani Losey and Mary Happe) would often leave for Vail right after work on Fridays and drive back on Sundays. In the 70’s, the four young women decided to look at new condominiums for sale one weekend and all decided to put down a deposit that weekend and closed on the property soon after. The four of them enjoyed 40 years of ownership and countless trips to Vail to snow ski and enjoy the many restaurants and nightlife. Summer and Fall seasons were popular too, with friends and relatives enjoying the beautiful Vail Valley.

Upon her retirement, Peggy spent much of her time volunteering at her church and favorite charities. She also spent the next 20 years enjoying her place in Vail, traveling to visit family as well as traveling the world with many good friends and her niece, Jackie (Saunders) Bowen.

Peggy was the youngest of five children, Noel Bowman, Betty Kuehl, Duncan Barkelew and Antoinette “Toni” Saunders. All siblings preceded her in death. She also had several very close and loving nieces and nephews, Greg Kuehl (who preceded her in death), Sherry (Bowman) Smith, John Kuehl, Tom Kuehl, Kevin Kuehl, Eddie Barkelew, Alan Barkelew, Jackie (Saunders) Bowen, Gregory Saunders, Curt Saunders and Daniel Saunders.

Although Peggy never married, she was loved by so many friends and family, who will miss her terribly. She had a smile and zest for life that always lit up the room, wherever she was. She never turned down an opportunity to dance, meet someonefor lunch or dinner (with a glass of Chardonnay of course) or do whatever she could to help a friend or family member in need. There are many of us who are so grateful to her for her friendship and generosity over the years.