Peggy Lou Humphrey Ratcliff of Waterloo WI, aka: Peggy Lou from Waterloo, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2024, in Florida at the age of 95.  She was born in her family's apartment in downtown Waterloo on December 5, 1928.  Her Mom, Lydia H. Doschadis Humphrey, was 48 and her Dad, Dudley J. Humphrey, was 63.  Although their ages were a bit advanced to raise a child, she often said she never knew the difference and enjoyed many helping hands while growing up, which certainly contributed to her knowing everyone around town and her friendly way.

Peggy often talked about growing up in Waterloo when there were six grocery stores, Schwandt's furniture store, Sharkey Stremmer ran the drug store, and Strey's owned the restaurant; everyone knew everyone else and especially loved her as she was always downtown with her Dad.  In the summer, when it was hot, she would sleep on the balcony outside their upstairs apartment or even on a bench near the bandstand at the four corners. If company came to town, her Mom would give her 15 cents and tell her to run get a ring bologna and loaf of bread.  She knew all the ins and outs of the town and especially enjoyed taking lunch to her Dad when he worked as the caretaker of Fireman's Park.

Peggy went to school in Waterloo and graduated in 1946.  When she was a Junior in high school, she found the love of her life, the new guy at school, Lloyd M. Ratcliff.  As Lloyd often said, he didn't stand a chance once Peggy laid eyes on him.  They were married in 1949 and enjoyed 62 years of marriage before Lloyd passed away in 2011.  Peggy moved once in her life, about a mile from downtown to 464 Jefferson St in 1952.

Those 62 years were filled with so many laughs, great fun, many friends, a loving family and plenty of travel.  In the early 1960's, Lloyd and Peggy went to a party at Richard Perry's house in Milwaukee, which changed Mom's life forever – it was there she discovered the beauty of refinished antiques and after that, her blonde furniture had to find a new home because Peggy and Lloyd began what would be about a 30 year stretch of going to auctions, flea markets and antique stores, collecting, repairing and refinishing to perfection some of the most beautiful pieces of furniture ever.  At one point, she counted well over a hundred pieces that she brought back to life.  In the process, she met many wonderful friends and shared her refinishing tips and tricks with anyone who wanted them.

When not antiquing, she could be found visiting with friends, enjoying her daily one hours walks around town (for many years with the family dogs, Mandy and Wheeler), and being a wonderful wife, mom and grandma.  Oh dancing!  We'd be remiss without mentioning Peggy's love for dancing and music.  She always had a beat in her step and was ready to dance with anyone given the chance.

Peggy had several boats named after her over the years.  Her and Lloyd enjoyed (well, Lloyd enjoyed and Peggy tolerated) boating on the Mississippi River and in the Oshkosh/Door County area.  They also spent many long weekends with family in Eagle River at Mike and Donna's house.  After Lloyd retired from a 44-year career at Perry Printing, they spent winters on Marco Island FL with their dear friends Judy and Fred Gehler.

Along the way, Lloyd and Peggy had three children and three grandchildren:  L. Michael Ratcliff, his wife Donna (nee Wilken) and their daughter Stephanie Ratcliff; James D. Ratcliff; and Paula L Lenius, her husband David and daughter Ellie Lenius Pitts (Tyler) and son Ryan D. Lenius.

Peggy is survived by her children, her niece Karen Radke Miller (Mike) of Bend OR, and her nephew Tom Radke (Barbara) of Camarillo, CA.

She is proceeded in death by her husband Lloyd, her parents Lydia and Dudley, her brothers Jack and Norman Humphrey, her sisters June Humphrey Freidel and Fern Humphrey Thompson.

Peggy will be missed very much.  We were very blessed to have her in our lives.  A celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date in Waterloo.  Any remembrance of life can be made to St. Paul's Church in Waterloo WI, of which she was a life-long member.

Cheers to you Peggy!

Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449.  Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com .