Philomena Peavler

Philomena Peavler, age 96, of Silver Lake, KS, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at the Oakley Place in Topeka, KS.  Philomena was born on January 31, 1923 in Wamego, KS the daughter of Anthony and Zue (McCormick) Tauer.

She attended and graduated from St. George High School in St. George, KS. Philomena married John Peavler on January 13, 1944. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage before John’s passing in 2008. Philomena retired as a Seed Tester for the State Board of Agriculture.

She enjoyed cooking, canning, reading, crocheting, square dancing especially with her husband, John. Family was most important to her. She loved hosting Thanksgiving and Easter while having her own Easter Egg Hunt for her grandchildren. Philomena was avid sports fan, especially the KC Royals, KU & KSU football and basketball. She would cheer on her teams while listening on the radio. She would cheer for all her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Her memberships included the Silver Lake Senior Center and volunteering for Meals on Wheels and was a member of the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. 

Survivors include her three daughters, Cheryl (Frank) Workman of Silver Lake, Cathy (Brad) Miller of Topeka, Carol (Herb) Abbott of Topeka; one brother, Leo Tauer of Wamego; son-in-law, Ken Rakestraw of Silver Lake; seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren with one on the way; eight great-great-grandchildren and a loving extended family.

Philomena was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one daughter, Barbara Rakestraw; one brother and three sisters.

Philomena will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Thursday, June 27 from 5-7:00 P.M. with a Rosary being prayed at 5:30 P.M.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, June 28. Interment will follow at the St. Bernard Cemetery in Wamego, KS.

Memorial contributions can be made in Philomena’s loving memory to Midland Hospice and/or Silver Lake Senior Center. Contributions can be left or mailed to the funeral home. 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66603