Peggy Lee Ruck Vester Obituary

Peggy Lee Ruck Vester passed away peacefully in the morning hours of July 3, 2025, at Bridgepointe Gardens in Jeffersonville, Indiana. She was 92 years old.

Born on November 12, 1932, to Margaret Hawes Ruck and John Ruck, Peggy was a lifelong resident of Jeffersonville and a proud graduate of Jeffersonville High School, where she played the saxophone and met the love of her life, Rudolph "Rudy" Perry Vester. They were married on December 22, 1951, and shared 56 wonderful years together before Rudy's passing in 2008.

Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Rudy; her parents; her sister, Judith "Judy" Stockdale; niece, Joni Stockdale; and brothers-in-law Frank Applegate and Virgil Stockdale.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Vicki (David) Stoffregen and Lauri (Joseph) Rush; her sister, Diane Applegate; sister-in-law, Barbara (John) Todd; cherished grandchildren, Ashlee (Joshua) Jones, Joseph (Hillary) Rush, Shelby (Cody) Evans, and Shannon Rush; and her adored great-grandchildren, Raylan, Rilee, and Liam Jones, as well as Grayson and Rainey Rush. Peggy is also survived by several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Peggy was a faithful and longtime member of First Christian Church in Jeffersonville, where she was actively involved for over 60 years, serving on various church committees and delighting in the fellowship of her church family. A former member of the Tri Kappa Sorority, Peggy also found joy in music, playing piano at home and sharing her musical gifts with those she loved.

She retired from the U.S. Census Bureau after a long and distinguished career, during which she was honored with the 1989 Bronze Medal Award for Superior Federal Service.

Peggy's life was centered around her family. She loved gardening, sewing, and attending every athletic event or gathering that involved her grandchildren. Her warmth, clever wit, and sweet spirit touched the hearts of many-especially those at Bridgepointe Gardens, where staff and neighbors often told her family how kind and sweet she was.

A fun and proud moment in Peggy's early life came in 1934 when she won the Sears National Baby Contest as a Shirley Temple look-alike-an early sign of the bright and charming spirit she would carry throughout her life.

Among her greatest joys was the close bond she shared with her sister Diane. More than sisters, they were best friends. From babysitting Diane in childhood to traveling and playing cards with their husbands in later years, Peggy and Diane created a lifetime of memories together.

Peggy Vester will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her deep faith, and the humor, grace, and light she brought into every room she entered. She will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A service celebrating Peggy's life will be held 4 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025, at First Christian Church, with inurnment to follow at a later date at Walnut Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive family and friends for visitation 2 p.m. until service time at the church.

Legacy Funeral Center, 921 Main Street – Jeffersonville, has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Jeffersonville, 3209 Middle Road.

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