Peggy Jo Leis passed away on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, in Yates Center, from complications arising from non-Hodgkin lymphoma and dementia.
She was born Oct. 5, 1944, in Kansas City, Mo., the youngest daughter of Dr. Bayard and Neva Twadell. Peggy lived in Iola during her youth and attended local schools, where she made lifelong friends. There, she developed a lifelong love of music and literature, often visiting local libraries and exchanging books with friends.
She married John Leis on Jan. 29, 1965, in Iola. John and Peggy made local history with the first evening wedding Mass at St. John’s Catholic Church. They made their home in Yates Center, where Peggy supported John and their family with devotion. She was a homemaker who enjoyed trying new recipes and took pride in preparing meals and desserts for those she loved.
Peggy brought warmth, creativity, and care to her work at Twin Oaks nursing home, where she served in several positions throughout her career. She especially loved her roles as Activities Director and head of Social Services, helping improve residents’ daily lives and supporting them in times of need. She continued that commitment to service as a longtime board member at Tri-Valley Developmental Services.
Peggy is survived by her children and their spouses: Stephanie (Jay Ernst), Neva (Curt Newton), John Leis (Lynne Goodwin), Heather (Assad Mirza), and Matt Leis (Chandi); and her half-brother, Bruce Chambers (Barbara). She dearly loved her ten grandchildren: Abigail Rutter; Nate and Nick Ernst; Kamran, Hannah, and Kadin Mirza; Keaton, Korbin, Gracyn, and Hudson Leis; and two great-grandchildren, Ford and Tatum Rutter. She showered her grandchildren with love and was proud of all their achievements.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings; Judith Strack, Jane MacDonald and Deborah Twadell.
Peggy’s life will be celebrated with a Catholic graveside service at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Yates Center Cemetery. Reception will immediately follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Hall. In lieu of flowers or donations, and in honor of Peggy’s request, please share your time and resources with the elderly or with those in need.
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