Peggy Belle Owen Fridley passed away peacefully on December 6, 2022, just 14 short months after her loving husband Bobby of 65 years preceded her in death.
Her life revolved around her church, family and sports. A proud, diehard UVA fan, one can only imagine that she, Dad, our Uncle Billy and our Aunt Shirley are talking about last night’s game or the next one coming up. This lifelong adventure for the four of them started decades ago with taking road trips to the next UVA game somewhere across the country. At home, she could always be found at the nearest ball field watching her kids play ball. In the following years, she would always be present for the many sporting events of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A life surrounded by her husband and three boys, it is no secret that she was the backbone of the Fridley family. Her legacy will be that of happiness and selflessness. Always wearing a smile and doing for others is what she will be remembered for, along with her great cooking and sewing skills. Many will remember her famous fried oysters, but few knew that she absolutely hated oysters yet gladly made them to bring joy to others. Peggy was always organized and prepared. All will remember her infamous “pocketbook.” If you ever needed something, she had it, and many quipped that her purse had more items in it than the local store. The trunk of her car was always stocked with a cooler and the favorite beverages of everyone she thought that she might meet along the way. In the event of a breakdown, she was ready to repair the car and if not, an overnight change of clothes was always present. It’s not a surprise that she was the master of UVA football tailgates.
While she was a mother of three, the family has been reminded over the last few days that she was known as “Momma Peg” to so many people. She believed that if you could help someone or make someone’s day, then you have had a pretty good day yourself in the eyes of God. She was happiest when those around her were happy. Many could say she lived the perfect life that most aspire to. It was filled with good health, happiness, and a long marriage surrounded by her family, friends and faith.
She was a beloved wife to Bobby, a loving mother to Mike, Lynn and Perry, and a cherished mother-in-law of Pam Fridley and Colleen Fridley. Peggy is also survived by her grandchildren Wendi, Kiani, Anna, Jack and Sean, and great-grandchildren Camden and Bryce, as well as four loving nieces and nephews, Jimmy, Jerry, Susan and Margaret. It was indeed a long life well lived.
The family received friends at Botetourt Funeral Home, Buchanan, on Friday, December 9, 2022 from 6 to 8 p.m. Her funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2022 in Mill Creek Baptist Church, Fincastle, with Pastor Danny Quirin officiating. Interment was in Eagle Rock Baptist Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com.
