In Memory of Peggy McGinnis

Peggy McGinnis was born on March 19, 1950, in Douglas, Arizona, to Joe Beecroft and Jannice Farnsworth Beecroft. She was the youngest of five sisters who lived to adulthood.

Much of Peggy’s childhood was spent living on ranches in Mexico, a time she loved and carried with her throughout her life. Her father was a cowboy, and her mother devoted herself to caring for their family. Growing up on the ranches taught Peggy the value of hard work, courage, and looking out for the people around her. As the youngest sister, Peggy had important jobs on the ranch such as caring for the horses and mules. Being small, she would stay on her horse, keeping herself/horse between her sisters working the calves and the protective mama cows. Ranching with her family in those years helped shape the strong, capable, and fearless woman she would become.

Peggy was the kind of woman who could do anything. She could sew a beautiful dress or build a house. If something needed to be done, she figured out how to do it. She was resourceful, determined, and never afraid of challenging work. Peggy earned her GED just three months before her oldest daughter, Shannon, graduated from high school. She believed that it was never too late to accomplish a goal.

Peggy spent her life to serving others. If a family member needed help, she was there. She never hesitated to jump in, lend a hand, or do what was needed. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh with her friends and family. She could share that sense of humor just as easily in Spanish as she could in English!

Family was Peggy’s greatest treasure. She lovingly cared for her mother and sisters throughout her lifetime and shared a special bond with each of them. She raised her own family in Roby, Texas. She cherished each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren- loving each one in their own unique way. Peggy had a special relationship with each family member, making each feel important and loved.

Peggy retired from Fisher County Hospital in Rotan, Texas. Her desire to care for others was consistent throughout every part of her life. She faithfully served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including the Stake Relief Society and Temple Ordinance Worker. Her faith was the center of who she was, and she lived that faith throughout her lifetime.

Peggy loved her home in Ruidoso, New Mexico, located next door to her sister Glenda and later her sister, Jo Ann. She took great pride in making improvements to the property over the years, creating a place where family could gather. Peggy especially loved summers there, watching the horse races with family. Ruidoso was her special place where she could go to relax, enjoy the beauty of the mountains, and make memories with those around her.

Peggy leaves behind a legacy of strength, faith, laughter, hard work, and unconditional love. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, caregiver, and faithful servant. She worked hard, loved deeply, laughed often, and was always warm and caring. Peggy’s kindness made a difference in the lives of countless people, and this extraordinary woman will be remembered by all she served, encouraged, helped, and loved.

She is survived by her sister, Jo Ann Beecroft; her children, Shannon Thompson (Shelby), Shari Smith (Lane), Kenny Heflin (Traci), and Kelly Heflin (Clarissa); grandchildren, Kylie Boster (Theren), Kinsey Smith, Kayden Heflin, and Brody Heflin; great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Elizabeth Boster.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, J Neal McGinnis; her parents, Joe Beecroft and Jannice Farnsworth Beecroft; her sisters, Margie Waggoner, Glenda McLaughlin, Jannette Hardwick, and infant sister Lana Beecroft.

A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:00 am MDT, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1091 Mechem Drive in Ruidoso, New Mexico.

The Graveside Service will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 4:00 pm in her beloved hometown of Colonia Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Peggy's memory to The Nest/Domestic Violence Shelter 26374 Hwy 70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346, or with an online donation to helpendabuseforlife.org.

Her work here is finished, but her love and legacy will remain forever.