Peggy Joyce Murray

Peggy Joyce Murray, 86, passed away on February 27, 2026, at her home in Covington, surrounded by her family. She was born as the daughter of the late James G and Mildred (Braden) Manasco on March 12,1939 in Jasper, Alabama.

For over 20 years, she served as an operating room technician at the VA, where her commitment to serving others was evident. In addition to her career in healthcare, Peggy spent more than 25 years as a bus driver for Covington School Corporation. She was well known for her time waiting tables at the Beef House and Sky Valley Ranch Inn as well. Peggy, along with husband Walt, embraced their entrepreneurial spirit by owning and operating The Bait Shop out of their home for some time.

Peggy cherished getting the family together and particularly enjoyed spending time with her great-great-grandchildren,

Violet and Evander. Her creative pursuits were wide-ranging; she found joy in baking, quilting, painting, ceramics, and cross-stitching, showcasing her vibrant imagination and talent. Peggy loved traveling with her special friends Jackie and Gemma. Peggy was a person who never met a stranger, effortlessly connecting with others and leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed her path. She was a proud and lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary and The Moose, as well as enjoying her membership and friends at the YMCA in Danville.

In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her husbands, Donald Hegg and Walter Murray, and brothers James Manasco and Kenneth Manasco. She was preceded by grandchildren Jonathan Pickett and Heidi Harrison, stepdaughters Denise Woods and Lori Presswood, and son-in-law Leland Backer.

Peggy is survived by her children Dennis (Judy) Hegg, Ylonda (Glenn) Iungerich, Kelly (Leland) Backer, Candace (Brad) Cook, Michael Hegg; her grandchildren Abbee, Taylor, Nichole, Bobby, Nicole, Justin; and her great-grandchildren Kylie, Cody, Hayley, Arin and Mason. She is also survived by her siblings, Donald Manasco and Karen (Jeff) Kehl; stepchildren, Dan, Cindy, Donita, Lisa; as well as her step-grandchildren, Kyle, Rachel, Holly, Amanda, Seth, Caleb, and several step great-grandchildren as well.

A visitation will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 11 - 1 pm EST at Sunset Funeral Home, located at 420 3rd Street in Covington, Indiana. A memorial service celebrating Peggy's life will immediately follow at 1 pm that day. Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Covington VFW Post 2395. Online condolences, fond memories, and pictures can be shared with her family on her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com