Peggy Lukens

Surrounded by her loved ones, Peggy Joan Lukens (Nee Hinkle), age 90, entered her Heavenly home on October 25, 2026. Although born in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was raised in Covington, Kentucky, where she attended Holmes High School and would go on to earn her teaching degree and Masters from Eastern Kentucky and Xavier University. She was passionate about the importance of teaching and the subjects she taught, History and English. She primarily taught English within the Cincinnati Public Schools, was selected by the School Board to teach English in Japan for a year, and retired from Walnut Hills High School in 1994. Her legacy as a teacher is reflected in the lives of those students whom she taught and influenced.

Peggy's passion for life extended outside the classroom via her hobbies and interests. Her talent for and creation of beautiful hand sewn cross-stitch, quilts, Christmas stockings, and ornaments, are treasured by her children and grandchildren. Peggy was an avid and competitive bridge player; belonging to several bridge clubs and until recently, played in tournaments whenever and wherever she could. However, Peggy's greatest passion and perhaps, calling, was reading and writing. Her home was filled with books which she read simultaneously. She always carried a satchel of spiral notebooks which were filled with her poems and ready to capture her mind's brilliance. Peggy enjoyed the written works of and corresponding with one of her favorite authors, the late Wendell Berry.

Peggy's greatest joys were her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. She considered us her treasures. She had the innate ability to see and recognize those qualities that made each of us uniquely wonderful. She was attentive to our talents, gifts, aspirations and always encouraged us to follow our dreams and realize our potential. She loved listening to, conversing about and laughing with us over even the tiniest details of our lives.

Peggy was an effective and passionate woman in thought, word, and deed. Her convictions moved her hands and voice to care for her family, friends, and neighbors. She was generous with her time and affection and quick to celebrate those around her. She will undoubtedly be remembered for her intellect, indomitable spirit and unmistakable laugh. Peggy's absence will always be present, but we carry our fond memories of and love for her in our hearts, minds, and souls, all the days of our lives.

Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Irene Hinkle (Wilson), brothers, Russell and John Hinkle, and grandson Taylor Walters. Peggy's family legacy and love remains with her brother Bill Hinkle (Donna), sisters Lucretia Pearcy (Greg) and Joan Pettibone (the late Howard), sons, Todd (Luci) and Alan Walters (Sheryl), daughter Leslie Dameron (Michael), granddaughter, Jenny Garner (Jared), and grandsons Zachary and Benjamin Dameron.

A memorial, celebrating the life of Peggy Lukens will be held, Tuesday, November 24, 2026 from 11:00am to 1:00pm, at the Belleview Baptist Church. Address: 6658 5th Street, Burlington, KY 41005.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Berry Center-Wendell Berry Donation Address: P.O. Box 582 New Castle, KY 40050 Phone: (502) 845-9200.