Marguerite Ruth Owens Best, “Peggy”
Peggy Best 1928 – 2021. Marguerite Ruth Owens Best, “Peggy,” and “Grammy,” age 93, passed away peacefully April 16, 2021. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Muskingham College in New Concord, OH, where she met her husband of 70 years, William Ramsey, “Bill,” Best, who preceded her in death in December 2020. She is survived by her children, Betsy Britain and Bill Best (Tracy); her grandchildren Mandy Black, Stephanie Wynn (Jacob), Jenny Britain (Jenn), Ryan Best (Katy), and Sandy McHenry (Brian); and her 11 great-grandchildren.
Peggy was adored by all who knew her. Her kind heart radiated from her at all times. She was so full of love and grace for those around her, and these traits characterized her life. She and Bill moved many times during Bill’s 30-year career with Goodyear, from Akron, OH, to Kansas City, MO, to Los Angeles, CA, and finally to Scottsboro, AL. Bill commented often how much he appreciated Peggy’s unwavering and uncomplaining support for him and their family. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years, always opening their home to friends and family with a plate of freshly-baked cookies. She enjoyed volunteering in local hospitals and her children’s schools as they grew up, and was an accomplished and talented crewel embroiderer. While living in Los Angeles, she taught preschool. She was naturally dedicated to letter-writing, spending time each morning for most of her life, writing and mailing letters to friends, family, and acquaintances. After Bill retired from Goodyear, they managed condominiums in Marco Island and Naples, FL, before moving to Alabaster, AL in 1995.
All who were lucky enough to be loved by Peggy, to receive letters written in her recognizable left-handed cursive, to have been fed her cookies or basked in her selfless attention will tell you what a beautiful, generous woman she was. Though grieving her death, her family celebrates that she is with Bill again, by his side and holding hands, whole and at peace.
A private, family memorial service and a Celebration of Life for Bill and Peggy’s family and friends will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to her church, BPUMC, or to First Light, a shelter for homeless women and children in downtown Birmingham, AL.
Bluff Park United Methodist Church First Light Shelter
733 Valley Street 2230 Fourth Ave. N.
Birmingham, AL 35226 Birmingham, AL 35203