Margaret "Peggy" Bevins, age 63, of Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday, September 27, 2011 in her home surrounded by family.

Peggy was born February 28, 1948 in Clinton, MA, the daughter of Leo and Helena (Welch) Nelson II. Growing up, she lived and attended school in Massachusetts and later Florida. As a young lady following her schooling, Peggy's lifestyle was very mobile. She lived in several states and traveled much of Europe. In the early 1980's she met James Bevins. Together they raised their family and have made their home in Detroit Lakes, MN, Callaway, MN, Fargo, ND, Florida and the last seven years in Mahnomen. Peggy and Jim made their union official on April 15, 1995 when they were united in marriage at Detroit Lakes. Over the years, Peggy worked at Evan's Supermarket in Detroit Lakes, the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen and the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home in addition to raising a family.

Peggy loved to travel; she spent time in various areas in the United States and also to many countries abroad. She was even lucky enough to take in some of the great wonders of the world like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower. When Peggy wasn't traveling, she enjoyed some of the simpler things in life like baking, cooking, singing, ice skating with the kids, the occasional trip to the casino and spending time with friends and family. Her door was always open and Peggy loved to have company, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Peggy is survived by her husband, Jim of Mahnomen; sons: Richard (Julie) Hayes, Sabin, MN, David Hayes, Mahnomen, Charles Hayes, Washington, IN, Norman Hayes, Maine and Jamie (Priscilla) Bevins Sr., Mahnomen; daughters: Tiffany Bevins, Elbow Lake Village, rural Waubun, April Bevins, Mahnomen, Jenniffer (Daniel) Tackett, Wasilla, AK, and Collette Benkowski, West Fargo, ND; sisters, Donna Korbel, Wellington, FL, and Betty (Ray) DelGiudice, Leominster, MA; 29 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; in-laws, Avis (Dale) Pederson, White Earth, MN, Jeanine (Francis "Butch") Bellanger, White Earth, Gary Bevins Sr. also White Earth and Samuel (Dorothy) Watson, Plymouth, MN; and very special friend, Wendy Littlewolf. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Leo Nelson III and Robert Nelson and her mother and father-in-law, George and Lois Bevins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 30, 2011 at 11 am at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in White Earth, MN.

Visitation will be held Thursday, from 5-7 pm with a prayer service and rosary beginning at 6:30 pm at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen.