Willa Margaret “Peggy” Dumler passed away on April 6, 2020 at her home in Denver, Colorado. Peggy’s death, at the age of 67, was unexpected and has left a hole in the lives of those that loved her. Peggy was born on March 19, 1953 in Lexington, KY to Herbert and Helen Drennon. She remained in Kentucky through childhood and early adulthood, graduating from Tates Creek High School while holding first chair for cello in the youth orchestra and graduating from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

One summer shortly after graduation she and a friend visited Colorado. Soon after they decided to move to a farm outside of Denver. They eventually moved away from the farm to share an apartment closer to Denver. There, Peggy was a waitress at a $3 million high end dinner house/lounge & disco, being trained as the manager. A few years later, at only 25, Peggy was breaking ground for working women everywhere when she became the general manager at that location, and shortly thereafter, the trainer for the region. It could be said that part of the key to Peggy’s success was her ability to read people and put herself in another’s shoes. In fact, Peggy was so in tune with people, often she would be thanked for firing an employee. When she quit, the restaurant closed 6 weeks later.

In 1978 she was introduced to Robert Dumler, and they married at the Evans chapel at University of Denver on January 7, 1979; 11 months later. That year they celebrated 2 honeymoons: first they went skiing, giving Peggy the skiing lessons that led to many years on the slopes. Later in November, they visited the Grand Cayman Island, staying on the least populated part in a hotel with only 18 rooms; very rustic, but served gourmet food! Bob and Peggy would remain happily married the rest of Peggy’s life. It is said that even after 40 years of marriage one would think they were newlyweds; their love for one another shining bright.

After leaving the restaurant industry, Peggy changed careers becoming the manager/buyer for the 3 mall locations of “Southwestern Art”, a specialty gift shop featuring Indian pottery, statues, jewelry, paintings, and other things Southwest. It was during this time Peggy and Bob travelled often with her parents. One memorable trip was to the Grand Canyon; Bob and Peggy hiked rim to rim, and her parents picked them up on the South side. Other incredible trips included: Bryce Canyon, Zion, Olympic National Park, Organ Pipe National Park, deep sea fishing in Destin, FL, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Kauai, Hawaii. An avid skier, hiker/backpacker and bicycle rider, Peggy also taught aerobics during the time when high impact was around, as well as body design. Then in the late 1990’s, she joined Bob at their company, Pipe Service, Inc., a material supply company for the heavy highway industry as the manager, president and senior estimator. It was here that, after much work, Peggy achieved “DBE”, “SBE”, and Women Owned Business certificates in Colorado, Nebraska, Arizona, and Nevada. She continued in that role until her passing.

Peggy was also extremely active in her church: Central Christian Church of Denver (Disciples of Christ). Peggy served in many leadership roles over the years: Worship chair, Elder, Nominating chair, cabinet Secretary, Properties chair, and 3 years as the church moderator. Peggy was also a volunteer in the children’s program where she, in partnership with Bob, was beloved as a storyteller and friend by the children in the program. Peggy was also an excellent hostess and cook, a skill she used on numerous occasions inside and outside the church; providing meals to others whenever the opportunity and need presented itself. Peggy’s enthusiasm for building community within the church and serving the community through the church was most on display by her excitement in starting “Team Central”. Peggy thought out, promoted and designed t-shirts for the team that would participate in benefit walks such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Peggy is proceeded in death by her mother Helen Drennon, as well as her maternal and paternal grandparents. She is survived by her father Herb Drennon, sister Pam Hammonds, brother-in-law Gary Hammonds and nephew Russ Hammonds, and her loving husband Bob Dumler. Cremation has taken place at Neptune Society in Arvada, CO.

Donations to the American Heart Association are welcomed in lieu of flowers.

Remembrances and condolences can be left at www.gatheringus.com/memorial/peggy-dumler/2987