Peggy Jean Harger

    Peggy Jean Harger, age 83, of Riverdale, MI, passed away Friday, September 18, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center - Gratiot, Alma, MI.

     Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Alma, MI, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

     Peggy was born in Elsie, Michigan on September 12, 1943, the daughter of Eston Merle and Mary (Gurski) Bigelow. She married LaWayne Harger on April 24, 1970, in Ithaca, MI. Peggy worked for American Coach, Michigan Chemical in St. Louis and retired from Alma Public Schools.

     Peggy enjoyed traveling and spent winters with Wayne in Laughlin, NV for 20 years. Peggy loved time on the lake, riding in the desert, and spending time in the sun. She enjoyed making hot chocolate with her great-granddaughters. Peggy was very proud of her grandchildren and cherished time spent with them.

     She is survived by her husband Wayne Harger of Riverdale, MI; daughter Cindy and Tom Dean of Riverdale, MI; grandchildren: Brett and Erica Schiavo of Riverdale, MI; Glenn Schiavo of Shepherd, MI; Joshua and Caleb Dean of Traverse City, MI; and Logan Dean of Alma, MI; and great-granddaughters: Emilie and Bexley. She is also survived by her siblings: Ellen and Merlin Wertz, Linda Allen, Roger and Bev Bigelow, brother and sister-in-law Stan and Patricia Harger and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Eston Bigelow, mother Mary Pratt and brother-in-law Neil Allen.

     Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Tunnels to Towers. Online condolences can be sent to . The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Alma, Michigan.