Obituary: Peggy S. Childs, 102, The Dalles

Peggy S. Childs, 102, a resident of The Dalles, OR, went to join the Lord and her beloved husband on April 29, 2025. Born on September 24, 1922. She was the oldest of three children of John D and Margaret Alderman Shelburne of Dayton. OR.

Peggy attended school in Dayton and was named salutatorian of her graduating class. She later graduated from Oregon State College (now OSU) with a degree in Home Economics. She was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. It was at OSC that she met and married her sweetheart, David Childs.

Their lives were interrupted by World War II, Peggy spent several agonizing months while David, a fighter pilot, was listed as “Missing in Action” after being shot down by German forces, then spending time in several POW camps. After the war both returned to OSC to finish their degrees. They then moved to Arlington to operate David’s family farm on Shuttler Flat. In 1951 they welcomed a son, Chris, and in 1954 a daughter, Kathleen.

Peggy’s greatest joys were family, cooking, and gardening. She was a loving and devoted wife and supported the children’s education at the nearby small Olex school; she was always ready to sew uniforms or costumes as needed. She was a mainstay member of the locally renowned “Mikkalo Grange cooks” and prepared summer meals for harvest crews. Her cooking was second to none. Her large gardens always provided an abundance of fresh produce.

Peggy also stayed involved in community activities, serving a term on the local historical society board and for many years as treasurer of her church.

In 1989 David and Peggy retired and moved to The Dalles. Traveling quickly became a favorite pastime The couple particularly enjoyed a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia and later a lengthy visit to Siberia. From the latter adventure Peggy penned and published a small book entitled “A Trip to Siberia,” focusing in large part on the many exotic foods they encountered along the way.

Peggy was predeceased by her parents, a brother, Jack, sister, Mary Ann and husband David (with whom she spent an astounding 77 wonderful years).

Peggy is survived by her son Chris and his wife Denise of Silverton, OR, daughter Kathleen “Kit” Kamo and husband Curt of Caldwell, ID, grandson, David Kamo and his wife Rhiannon, and two great-grandchildren, Kobe and Khloe.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 pm on May 10, 2025, at The Springs at Mill Creek “Spring Room”, 1201 W 10th St., The Dalles, OR. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gilliam County Historical Society of The Dalles United Methodist Church.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. Special thanks to the caring staff of The Springs at Mill Creek as well as the compassionate people at Provident Hospice.

Peggy attended school in Dayton and was named salutatorian of her graduating class. She later graduated from Oregon State College (now OSU) with a degree in Home Economics. She was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. It was at OSC that she met and married her sweetheart, David Childs.

Their lives were interrupted by World War II, Peggy spent several agonizing months while David, a fighter pilot, was listed as “Missing in Action” after being shot down by German forces, then spending time is several POW camps. After the war both returned to OSC to finish their degrees. They then moved to Arlington to operate David’s family farm on Shuttler Flat. In 1951 they welcomed a son, Chris, and in 1954 a daughter, Kathleen.