JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Mike Cunningham, R-Rogersville, was pleased to welcome Peggy Flood, the reigning Ms. Missouri State Nursing Home Queen, to the chamber of the Missouri Senate, Wednesday, March 6. A resident of Shady Oaks Healthcare of Thayer, Ms. Flood was crowned in August during a statewide competition sponsored by the Missouri Health Care Association.
During her Capitol visit, Ms. Flood also met with the governor and lieutenant governor and received a Senate resolution honoring her recognition.
“She is an incredible lady. I dare you to try to keep up with her,” Sen. Cunningham said during her introduction. “She played volleyball until she was in her 60s. She is a turkey hunter and holds a record in Howell County for the largest turkey harvested one year. She is a deer hunter. She still fishes to this day.”
Born in Thomasville, Missouri, Ms. Flood was married to the late-Duane Flood, a Southern Baptist preacher, for 68 years. Together, they raised five children. Their extended family included 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
Besting 20 other seniors, Ms. Flood won regional honors during a pageant in June before moving onto state competition. Biographical information supplied as part of the competition recalled childhood antics of sneaking sips of homemade blackberry wine, a home filled with hunting trophies and a life devoted to the service of others. Through it all, she says she was driven by a competitive spirit.
“You see my fire and vinegar come out when we play games or have a contest,” said Ms. Flood, who also was a gold medal winner in the Golden Age Days seniors games, sponsored by the Missouri Health Care Association. “Second place ain’t bad, but first sure is better.”
Ms. Flood certainly won gold during her Capitol visit, as she captured the hearts of the governor, lieutenant governor and everyone in the Senate chamber.