Leona Jean Peak

Leona “Jean” Peak, of Winchester, went home to live with her Lord Jesus Christ on March 7th at the age of 92. She was born on December 2nd, 1933, the daughter of Lawrence and Francis (Browning) Sparks. She was married for 67 blessed years to her late husband, George, who passed away in 2019. Together they have 7 children: Phil Peak (late wife, Ellie) of Winchester, Paul Peak (wife, Janette) of Springfield, Pat Peak (wife, Laurie) of Winchester, Penny Kaufmann (husband, Chad) of Springfield, Perry Peak (wife, Ellen) of Winchester, Peter Peak (wife, Paula) of Jacksonville, and Pamma Kaufmann (husband, Kevin) of Jacksonville. Jean’s large family, which was the joy of her life, also includes 17 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren and counting. Her sister, Sue (late husband, Jim) Riggs, also survives. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Clemma (late husband, John O.) Hoover, and a daughter-in-law, Ellie Peak. Jean grew up in Pittsfield, graduating from Pittsfield High School in 1951. The summer between her junior and senior year, Jean met George at a baseball game. Their first date was to the Zoe Theater with milkshakes afterward. Their love and dedication to one another would last until their final days. In her later years, their home was a place where family gathered. Laughter and fun filled the air with the backyard pool becoming the center of countless sunny afternoons. She found great joy in spoiling the children that would visit with all the homemade treats. Her famous sticky popcorn quickly became a staple among the grandchildren. The refrigerator was always stocked with sodas, and the freezer was never without popsicles. Hard work was simply a part of who she was. She could often be found outside mowing her yard or tending to her expansive garden. When her grandchildren were busy showing pigs at local 4-H fairs, Jean was there to support them—often arriving with packed lunches, ready with encouragement, and proud of their hard work. She also had a special gift in the kitchen. Jean could whip up a home-cooked meal for a crowd without a moment’s notice. There wasn’t a thing she couldn’t make. Homemade noodles, fresh baked bread, Christmas morning cinnamon rolls, and angel food cake topped with burnt brown sugar icing were her specialties. Jean’s life was deeply rooted in her love for the Lord. At 26 years old, she boldly began following Jesus with all her heart and remained unwavering in her devotion for the rest of her life. Her faith was not just something she spoke about—it was something she lived every day. Many lives have been shaped by her example as she faithfully lived out the two greatest commandments: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This will remain the greatest legacy she leaves behind—one that will no doubt continue to impact generations of the Peak family, and hopefully many others as well. A private family funeral service will be held at Winchester United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 am with interment at the Winchester City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Winchester United Methodist Church. Daws Family Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Leona Jean Peak

December 2, 1933 - March 7, 2026