White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Peggy J. O’Brien, 82 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Thursday, July 2, 2015, at her home.  She was born on February 18, 1933, in Independence, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur Paul and Charlotte M. (Massingham) Fowlkes.  She attended school in Quasqueton, Iowa.  On June 20, 1951, she and Richard Thomas O’Brien were married in Independence.  Mrs. O’Brien was the head cook at the Independence High School.  She worked there for 20 years before retiring in 1995.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Independence.  Mrs. O’Brien was a shopper and was always hunting for bargains.  She collected porcelain dolls and also enjoyed tending her flower garden.

Mrs. O’Brien is survived by her husband of 64 years, Richard, 2 sons, Roger O’Brien and Michael O’Brien, both of Independence, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by 1 sister, JoAnn (Archie) Thomas of Waterloo, Iowa, and 3 brothers, Arthur Fowlkes and Edward (Judy) Fowlkes, both of Independence, and Richard (Sue) Fowlkes of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers, James Fowlkes and Herbert Fowlkes.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Mike Nemmers officiating.  Burial will be in Wilson Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 6^th, at the White Funeral Home in Independence.