February 25, 2025

Linn County News

Published February 26, 2025

Emma Darlene Peek, age 89 of Neosho, Mo., formerly of Amoret, Mo., died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Mo. She was born May 11, 1935, to Harold Joseph and Juanita May Hoyt Hoaglan in Merwin, Mo.

Darlene, the oldest of three children, grew up in La Cygne, Kan., and was a 1953 graduate of La Cygne High School. On Aug. 12, 1953, she married Harry Lee Armstrong and to this union, four children were born. The marriage ended after 25 years. In 1980 she moved to Amoret, Mo., where she attended the Amoret Christian Church. Darlene began working at the Osawatomie State Hospital in 1957 and continued working for the State of Kansas until her retirement in 1993. She was one of 42 founders of Kansas Alcohol and Drug Counsel Association in 1974 and remained a senior counselor until 1995. 

In 1986 Darlene married Albert Lee Peek and they continued to live in Amoret after living one year in Peculiar, Mo. While living in Amoret, they were active in the Amoret Christian Church and helping people in the community. Together they enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling – where they made many friends all over the United States.

Darlene is survived by her children, Katherine Juanita Waldmen and husband, Mike, of Springfield, Mo., Darla Lee Armstrong of Neosho, Mo., Harold Dean Armstrong and wife, Kim, of Thornsby, Ala., Roger Lee Peek and wife, Brenda, of Peculiar, Mo., Eddie Peek and wife, Monica of Butler, Mo., Judy Kay Wilson and Betsy Sue Dunkin and husband, Gary, all of Harrisonville, Mo.; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Iva Loree Mendenhall and husband, Eugene, of Linn Valley, Kan.; and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Albert Lee Peek, on June 26, 2019; two sons, Wilbur Alan Armstrong and Ronnie Peek; and a sister, Lenara June Kile and her husband, Raymond. 

Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Mo. Visitation prior to services were held on Monday at the Schowengerdt Chapel. Burial was in Wills Cemetery, Peculiar, Mo. In lieu of flowers, contributions to American Heart Association. Online condolences may be left at www.schowengerdtchapel.com.