Peggy L. Craig Mathers

             Peggy L. Craig Mathers, 91, of Oil City, went Home to her Lord and Savior on Sunday afternoon, February 9, 2025 at UPMC Northwest, following an extended illness. 

            She was born in Oil City on July 7, 1933, a daughter to the late Orrin and Cora Shotts. 

            She was a graduate of Oil City High School. 

            Through the years, Peggy has been a member of the Sweet Adelines, Red Hat Society, and the Christian Women's Group. 

            She was of the Methodist faith and a member of the former Seneca United Methodist Church. 

            Peggy enjoyed quilting; she loved to cook and bake, and host Sunday afternoon family meals and get-togethers.  In her earlier years, she enjoyed gardening and canning. 

            She enjoyed the ocean and living in Florida for many years with her second husband, Bill.  Peggy loved her family and cherished the time she spent with them.  She looked forward to Sunday afternoon phone calls with her granddaughter, Leah, who would be baking and cooking, while Peggy offered tips and advice. 

            She was first married to Richard Ray "Dick" Craig Sr., and he preceded her in death in 1984.  In 1990, she married William C. "Bill" Mathers, and he preceded her in death in 2014.

            Peggy is survived by five children: Cynthia Lewis and her husband Larry of Knox, Karen Stanton-Cole and her husband Johnnie of Florida, Janice Lillard of Oil City, Mary Walentosky and her husband Michael of Oil City, and Richard Craig Jr. and his wife Anne of Wyoming; a step-son, Bill Mathers of North Carolina; fourteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren (with one more on the way).  She is also survived by a special sister-in-law, Marilyn Brandon of Cranberry; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

            In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Orrin Eugene Shotts and Roy Shotts. 

            A visitation for friends and family will be held Thursday (Feb. 13) from noon - 2 p.m. in Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, where a funeral service will follow Thursday at 2 p.m. with Rev. William E. Hastings, officiating.  Private interment will be made beside her first husband in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens. 

            Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. 

            To express online condolences to Peggy's family, visit www.hilebest.com

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