Pegge Engelhardt

ENGELHARDT, Pegge, age 71, of Kettering, OH, passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, August 6, 2026. She was born on March 1, 1955, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Joseph and Mary Grimes. She grew up Philadelphia as part of a family with 8 siblings. Following her graduation from Mount St. Joseph High School she continued her education at The University of Dayton. After earning her B.S in Education she began her long career, returning to UD to complete a masters program in the field. There she met her future husband, John Engelhardt, later marrying in 1984, settling in Kettering.

Pegge had a distinguished career in education and was passionate about improving the lives of all children under her purview. She served as the administrator for Franklin Elementary, Anthony Wayne Elementary, and Moraine Meadows Elementary, before finishing her lifework at Oakview Elementary, retiring in 2021. That year, Pegge was inducted into the Chester Roush Educational Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed to those who exemplify the life and career of a distinguished educator. She was also a member and past president of Kettering Noon Optimist Club.

More than anything else, Pegge’s top priority was her family. She took great pride in creating a loving home for her 3 children and was a devoted mother to all of them. During her summers off Pegge relished all the time she was able to spend with her whole family, and closest life-long friends, at the Jersey Shore. Her energetic and thoughtful spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James and Patrick Grimes; and nephew, Dominic Santilli.

Pegge is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, John Engelhardt; sons, Casey, Jake, and Patrick Engelhardt; sister, Maria Santilli; brothers, Joseph (Sharon), Charles (Vicki), Michael (Rebecca), Francis (Kim), and Mark (Julie) Grimes; and numerous, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family will greet friends from 3-5pm on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd. Kettering, OH 45429, with a memorial service to follow. Per Pegge’s wishes a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Ocean City, NJ, where her ashes will join with the ocean. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Kettering Education Foundation.