Marguerite Mary "Peg" Tatum

Marguerite Mary "Peg" Tatum was born on September 12, 1926, and passed into Heaven on May 20, 2025, at age 98. She was born in a coal mining camp near Superior, Wyoming. Her parents were John James Walsh, an immigrant from County Mayo, Ireland, and Margaret Cooper, a cowgirl of Russian/German descent from North Dakota. Peg grew up spending many summers on ranches around Cody and Meeteetsee, Wyoming, and winters in Los Angeles. Peg's mother died when Peg was 17, and she lived with cousins (Dershons) and grandparents, Katherine (Cooper) and Anton Hutmacher. During World War Il, Peg worked at various jobs at bomb factories and machine shops. She met her future husband, L.L. "Lee" Tatum, in a machine shop in LA, California, where he was the setup man. Peg and Lee moved to Okanogan, Washington, in 1947 and then to Malott, Washington, in 1949, where they bought a Phillips 66 gas station/tractor and auto repair shop that they ran for several years. Peg worked at home and at part-time jobs while raising their children, Kathleen and Michael. Family summers in the 60's were usually spent at Omak Lake or Soap Lake boating, swimming, or water skiing. Snow skiing was a usual winter activity for the family. Mom was an avid fisher and hunter. Peg was in constant motion, leading the Malott Crab Feed for years, working at Hand's Store, working in orchards, serving as a Cub Scout leader, sewing leader for Lucky Clover 4-H Club, and coordinator for the Malott Head Start Program. She was a parishioner of Wenatchee's St. Joseph Catholic Church, and a long-time member of the Malott Grange, Community Club, and Chiliwist Club, a faithful volunteer at Okanogan County Historical Society and Museum, not to mention hostess of numerous Tupperware parties. In the late 60's, Peg began a 20+ year career at the Okanogan County Assessor's Office as Supervisor of the Personal Property Department. Husband Lee became very ill and bedridden in the late 80's, and she served as an outstanding nurse and long-term caregiver. Upon Lee's death, she moved to East Wenatchee near her daughter, where she volunteered as Receptionist for the Wenatchee Senior Center. She was an exceptional seamstress, making tailored clothing, jeans, formals, and beautiful quilts. She also enjoyed crocheting and knitting. In her later years, Peg traveled through Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, and Ireland, either with Kathleen and Fred or with Michael and her grandson, James. Peg was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Tatum, and her dear brother, Wallace Snyder. She is survived by her children Kathleen (Fred) Lee and Michael (Becky) Tatum. Grandchildren: Chris (Angela) Wood and Heidi Wood, Karli Tatum (Nic Howe), and James (Monica) Tatum. Great grandchildren Christopher Wood Jr and Brandyn Wood, Connor Ballard and Jase Wood, Samuel Tatum, and Margot Tatum. Niece Marilyn (Alan) Golub. A Private Rite of Committal was held at the family's graveside on May 28, 2025, at Omak Memorial Cemetery. Father Jake Morton of St. Mary's Catholic Mission, Omak, WA, officiated. Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Marguerite Mary "Peg" Tatum

September 12, 1926 - May 20, 2025