Peggy A. Kirkland

Peggy Kirkland, 75, of Lorimor, passed peacefully from this life Tuesday, March 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends, at Creston Specialty Care in Creston. Celebration of Life Services will be 10 a.m., Monday, March 9, at Powers Funeral Home in Afton. Services will be livestreamed at a link under her obituary. The burial will be in Moon Cemetery near Macksburg. Rev. Pat Kirkland will officiate. Open visitation with family receiving friends will be from 3-6 p.m., Sunday, March 8, at Powers Funeral Home in Afton.

Memorials are to Care Initiatives Hospice or the East Union Infant Toddler Center. Online condolences can be left at www.powersfh.com.

Peggy Ann (Woodley) Kirkland was born Feb. 21, 1951, to Ronald and Bettie Woodley in Winterset. Peggy lived a life defined by a devotion to those she loved and a fierce passion for family, friends, sports and music.

On May 3, 1969, she married the love of her life, Carl Kirkland. For nearly 57 years, their marriage stood as a testament to commitment, resilience and unwavering love. Together they built a home filled with hard work, love and relentless support, raising four children: Brenda Smith, Robert Kirkland, James Kirkland and Thomas Kirkland, who were the pride and joy of her life.

Carl and Peggy also established a family farm and cattle operation, first located near Macksburg and then at the current location closer to Lorimor. Peggy loved spring and found great joy in watching baby calves bound across the pasture or lounge in the sun.

Peggy was blessed with 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, each of whom brought a special light to her world. Those that knew Peggy know she never missed a chance to attend a ballgame, recital or school event, cheering from the stands with unmistakable enthusiasm and an unrivaled competitive spirit. She loved sports of all kinds and celebrated every victory — big or small — as if it were her own. Carl and Peggy likely logged more than a million miles “chasing” their children and grandchildren to different events.

A dedicated mom and devoted homemaker for many years, Peggy created a home where hard work and discipline often gave way to card games, laughs and a Hawkeye game or two. She later proudly owned and operated the Winterset Sale Barn Cafe, serving meals with the same care, feistiness and generosity she showed her family. In addition, Peggy worked at Walmart for more than 20 years, where her spirit and strong work ethic made lasting friendships. Serving others was another way Peggy loved the ones around her.

Music was always playing in Peggy’s home. She especially loved the songs of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, singing along to favorites that often got caught on repeat. Whether at home or riding down the road with Carl, music was part of the rhythm of her life. She is undoubtedly listening to a Sawyer Brown song or two following her heavenly reunion with Brenda, who passed in 2004.

Peggy’s greatest legacy is the family she nurtured and the love she gave so freely. She taught by example — showing what it means to work hard, to be genuine to yourself, to be passionate about the things you love and to be dedicated to your friends and family. Her competitiveness, support, cheers, encouragement and her presence will be profoundly missed but forever remembered.

She leaves behind her beloved husband Carl; her three boys: Robert Kirkland, James (Amy) Kirkland and Thomas (Kelly) Kirkland; 10 grandchildren: Carla Smith (Kara Beaver), Raegen Smith (Eric Morley), Kendra (Kole) Paxson, Carter Kirkland, Kaden Kirkland (Aleah Calvin), Grace Kirkland, Karah Kirkland (Sanden Cheers), Taylor Kirkland, Kale Kirkland and Whitney Kirkland; two great-grandchildren, Karver Paxson and Kinnick Paxson and countless friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald Woodley and Bettie Woodley; her daughter Brenda Smith; her sister and brother-in-law, Connie Fizer and Roger Fizer; her in-laws, Ralph Kirkland and Leona Kirkland, her brother-in-law Warren Kirkland, along with other extended family and friends.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we take comfort in the love she leaves behind — a love that will echo through generations.