Twila Peters

Twila M. Peters, 103, passed away at 5:26 pm on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Clark County Nursing Home with her family and friends by her side.

Reaching the age of 103 is a milestone few achieve, and when asked about the secret to her long life, Twila’s response was simple and wise: “I just live one day at a time. I have seen a lot of changes over the years.”

And indeed, Twila has witnessed a century of change, most of it right here in Clark County, where she has lived her entire life. She was born at home on August 18, 1922, five miles east of Kahoka in the small community of Fox City, the oldest child of Merryl and Mary (Eagon) McCoy. Twila grew up with one sister Virginia (Robert) Kullman and two brothers Theron (Betty) McCoy and John (Marvene) McCoy. She lived with her grandparents until the age of 10, when the family moved to a nearby farm her father had purchased.

Twila’s education journey began at Pleasant View School, where she graduated 8th grade in 1936. She joined Grace Chapel Church at the age of 12 and walked 3½ miles each day to attend Wayland High School, graduating in 1940. Harsh winter weather often meant staying with a great aunt in Wayland during the school week. Twila earned a scholarship to Hannibal-LaGrange, where she received her Associate of Education Degree and began her teaching career—ironically, teaching at Pleasant View where her own younger brothers were among her students. She continued her education during the summer at Kirksville State Teachers College, but her plans changed after meeting the man who would become her husband, Otho “Osie” Peters, at a church service in Wayland.

The two married on April 12, 1944, and began life together on a rented farm just outside Wayland. They lived there until 1978, later moving into town and then, in 2002, Twila relocated to Eastgate Apartments to be closer to Osie after he entered the nursing home. Although the couple never had children of their own, their love and influence extended deeply to their seven nieces Beth (Roger) Watson, Carol (John) Brookhart, Tami McCoy, Irene (Fred) Price, Anna (George) Rentfrow, Rollane Williams, Carol (Bill) Harvey and one nephew Kenneth (Jean) Nelson, also several great nieces, nephews, great great nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.

Twila's life has been one of quiet strength and community service. She helped Osie on the farm—raising chickens, cattle, and hogs—and transitioned to row cropping after the devastating 1947 flood. She subbed in local schools, sewn and quilted (even altering prom dresses and band uniforms), and was a constant presence at Wayland Methodist Church, where she was a member of the United Methodist Women (UMW).

In addition to her church work, Twila was active in the Wayland Extension Club, served on the Extension Council Board, and has been a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for over 50+ years. She also volunteered regularly at Clark County Nursing Home (CCNH) from 2000 until the fall of 2015. Twila’s love for life was reflected in the way she and Osie spent their free time—attending stock car races, going to movies, bowling, and playing monthly Canasta games with friends. She fondly recalls a trip to Ohio to visit family and see an airplane museum.

When asked for advice to younger generations, Twila offered a thoughtful message: “Study and try to learn as many things as you can.” And her personal motto: “Bloom where you are planted.”

Twila Peters was more than a remarkable age—she was a pillar of the Clark County community, a living link to its past, and a reminder of the power of grace, patience, and quiet perseverance.

Part of this Obituary of Twila was an interview with Ashley Justice for the Hometown Journal article on her 103rd birthday. Thank You Ashley for sharing.

Funeral Services for Twila Peters will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 10:00 am at Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home, Kahoka, MO with burial at the Kahoka Cemetery. Pastor Dongjun Lee will officiate. Visitation with family present will be held at the Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Memorials in memory of Twila Peters are suggested to Canton Methodist Church, Kahoka Cemetery, or Clark County Chapter DAR.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.wilsontriplett.com