Margaret “Peggy” Jean Watkins Bassett returned to her Heavenly Father and loving family when she passed away peacefully on April 6, 2023 at the age of 85.
Peggy was born September 14, 1937. She was the eldest daughter of Walter Wold Watkins and Virginia Russell Watkins. She and her sister, Marian Watkins Ingham, grew up on Herbert Avenue and enjoyed an idyllic childhood. She graduated from East High School.
She married David Vardon Behunin on March 1, 1959, and they were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they had two children, Stephen David Behunin and Douglas Watkins Behunin. They later divorced.
Peggy was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed music, cooking, traveling, and playing the piano and organ.
Peggy is survived by her son, Stephen David Behunin; sister, Marian Ingham; nephew, Scott Ingham; and nieces, Laurel Ingham and Heather Ingham. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Sarah Lynn (Hanham) Behunin, who was very happily married to Douglas for 15 years. Last, but certainly not least, she will be sorely missed by her devoted boyfriend, Robert Murray, of Bountiful, Utah. They were inseparable for many years. Her family greatly appreciates his devotion to Peggy over the years and everything he did for her, especially during his many visits.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, both of her ex-husbands, and her son, Douglas Watkins Behunin.
She had been in the care of Willow Woods in Salt Lake City and Life Care Center in Bountiful. Her family is grateful for their excellent care.
A viewing will be held from 10:30 - 11:30 am on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Larkin Mortuary (260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah). A private graveside service will follow. Interment in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Peggy will be greatly missed.
I knew Peggy all my life. My mother became friends with her in 1957 when they met while double dating our future fathers, who were best friends. My mother and Peggy remained friends for 66 years until Peggy’s passing. Our families went on a few trips together.
What I remember most about Peggy is when she was married to Lee she invited us to dinner at her home several times. She made spaghetti, nice spaghetti sauce with mushrooms, and a nice green salad. We really enjoyed it. Other times she made fondue, which was popular in the 1970s. She made several different dipping sauces. It was fun to visit with her family while sitting around a fondue pot, each person cooking his/her food on skewers.
She will be missed.
I was friends with Peggy for 66 years until she passed away. We first met in 1957 while double dating two young men who were best friends. The four of us liked to double date and had a lot of fun together. The Fifties is said to be the best decade America ever experienced. It was a wonderful happy time.
Both couples ended up getting married and having children. Peggy and I remained friends the rest of our lives. We were like sisters. Over the years our two families went on several trips together, including Bear Lake, Utah, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Peggy and I went shopping and to restaurants together. We spoke to each other on the phone several times a week for 66 years. She often called me asking for my recipes and cooking advice.
Peggy was more than a friend; she was like a family member – always in my life. Of the four of us who double dated, I am now the last one alive.
I will miss Peggy dearly. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
To Peggy’s son, Steve, I’m sorry for your loss. Please keep in touch.