Peggy Altum

After an extremely hard-fought battle against dementia, Peggy Joan Altum, age 78, died peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, July 17.

Peggy was born on February 11, 1943. The lifelong Newton resident was the daughter of Joan (Tanner) and Vincent (Bernie) Bernowich.

Peggy began her working career at the Leonida’s restaurant that was located in the Newton Depot. Always a funny and outgoing person, she met her future husband, Richard Altum, while she worked. They were united in marriage on May 9, 1964. Their happy home life lasted until Richard’s death in 1989. 

They were the extremely proud parents of stepson David Altum (Marilyn) of Wichita, Ann Schmidt (Jim) of Newton, Joan Menzie (Brad) of Sublette, Vince (Bernie) Altum of Wichita and Mary Altum of Newton.

Peggy developed her love for baseball (especially for the Dodgers) at a young age. While living on Glendale Street, she and her sisters (Vikki and Terry) and the other “Dog Patch” kids would entertain themselves by playing baseball. As a mother, she encouraged her children to learn the sport, too. Many summers were spent sitting in the bleachers while being a cheerleader for her kids. She also enjoyed going to many, many dances, roller skating and bowling. Her hobbies included reading, working puzzles, and watching westerns and old movies while crocheting and drinking endless glasses of Pepsi.

Peggy was also a skillful and dependable worker. After working at Amoco Gas Station in Newton, Peggy secured a job at Wichita State University in the Math Department. She worked there for thirteen years until she retired.

Peggy was blessed with many grandchildren: Brennen Menzie-Marlin, Bradon Menzie and Ian Menzie, all of Kansas City. Her grandsons, Tyler Schmidt and Zachary Schmidt, reside in Newton.  Peggy's step-grandchildren are: Joel Altum, Wichita, Jenny Altum, Wichita, and Sheila Bennington, along with several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Terry (Jerry) Schmitz, Newton, and Vikki (Robert) Walton, Gallatin, Missouri, and several nephews and great-great nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, stepson David, and daughter Ann, and her parents. 

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.

Peggy’s funeral mass will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 21 at 11:00am.

A private family inurnment will take place at a later time in St. Mary’s cemetery, Newton.

In lieu of a memorial, Peggy asked that prayers be said for her and her family.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton, KS.