Martha “Jane” Perigen, age 76 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Alhambra Care Center in Alhambra, IL.
She was born on Friday, December 31, 1948, in Palmer, MO, the daughter of Paul and Violet (nee Cauffman) Skaggs.
On Thursday, September 2, 1965, she married Ronald Wayne Perigen, Sr. at Potosi, MO, who survives.
Martha was born at home in Palmer, MO. She attended school in Granite City, IL. Following her education, she raised her family. In 1972, the family moved to California, then returned to Highland in 1978. Martha worked at Pamida and Wal-Mart. She enjoyed traveling to California and Florida. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She collected Boyds Bears, enjoyed decorating her home and loved to eat and shop at the Cracker Barrel. Martha loved antique shopping with her sisters, as well as their sisters’ annual trip to Branson, MO., as well as going to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.
Survivors include:
- Husband – Ronald Wayne Perigen, Sr., Highland, IL
- Son – Ronald Wayne (Gail) Perigen, Jr., Alhambra, IL
- Daughter – Dawn Michelle (Significant Other – Tony Schneck) Perigen, Pierron, IL
- Son – Michael Sean Perigen, Colorado Springs, CO
- Son – Jason Daniel (Significant Other – Kristi) Perigen, Highland, IL
- Sister – Rita Owens, Potosi, MO
- Brother – Don (Rosemary) Skaggs
- Brother – Pete (Donita) Skaggs
- Grandchild – Jessica L. (Rosalee) Perigen, Moro, IL
- Grandchild – Joshua E. (Dianna) Perigen, Staunton, IL
- Grandchild – Brent W. Perigen, Alhambra, IL
- Grandchild – Tiffanie N. (Josh) Ethridge, Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Ashlie M. (Matt) Short, Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Sierra D. (Colten) Haring, Highland, IL
- Grandchild – Benjamin A. Perigen, Colorado Springs, CO
- Grandchild – Isabelle A. Perigen, Colorado Springs, CO
- Great Grandchild – Damien W. Perigen
- Great Grandchild – Hazel R. Highlander
- Great Grandchild – James W. Perigen
- Great Grandchild – Colton W. Perigen
- Great Grandchild – Kaylynn A. Perigen
- Great Grandchild – Timber N. Landolt
- Great Grandchild – Fox M. Ethridge
- Great Grandchild – Aspen M. Short
- Great Grandchild – Bodhi A. Haring
She was preceded in death by:
- Father – Paul Eugene Skaggs
- Mother – Violet Margaret Skaggs (nee Cauffman)
- Sister – Patricia Politte
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
A private celebration of life for the family will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the KC Hall in Highland, IL at 2:00 PM.
Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association.
