Peggy Kratzer

Peggy Jo Kratzer, 88, of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, passed away on May 18, 2025, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was born on July 16, 1936, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Herbert and Clysta Jackson Hackley.

Peggy married the love of her life, Burl Kratzer, on August 19, 1956, in Kokomo, Indiana. Together, they traveled the country in their RV for 15 years before settling in Bull Shoals in 1991, moving from Condon, Montana.

An avid outdoorswoman, Peggy had a deep love for nature and adventure. She was a skilled hunter, fisher, and hiker, proudly harvesting her share of elk and moose. She once served the Forest Service by spotting forest fires, a role that reflected her love for the wilderness.

In her later years, Peggy embraced creative passions including painting and photography. She remained active and community-minded, participating with the WHO Hikers and Kayakers and earning recognition as a Master Naturalist.

Peggy never lost her love for travel and frequently returned to Montana and West Virginia to visit her sons. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Bull Shoals, where her faith and friendships were strong.

She is survived by her sons, Keith (Nancy Riva) Kratzer of Red Oak, Iowa, and Kevin (Marlee) Kratzer of Williamstown, West Virginia; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and another on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Burl.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Bull Shoals, with Pastor Jonathan Norvell officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Bull Shoals, Arkansas.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Flippo’s Care Free Living and Hospice of the Ozarks for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Peggy in her final days.