Connie Peetoom was born to Harry "Red" and Ruby Achenbach in Clay Center, KS on December 9 ^th , 1940.  The family moved to Attica, KS in 1954 where Connie and her sister Janice attended school, and later welcomed their baby sister Gloria. Involved in many activities and even positioned as Baton Majorette of her school band, Connie graduated from Attica High School in the Class of '59 and attended Vernon's Beauty School shortly after.  Connie was intelligent, talented and excelled at everything she put her mind to.

When a young man named Gary Peetoom showed up to her job at Normandy Hair Fashions one day in 1971 jesting, "Just tease it, don't worry it to death!," in front of her client, Connie wanted to clobber him. But despite the sarcastic remark at their first meeting, the two became fast friends.  Gary and Connie grew so close that everyone felt their relationship was akin to that of a brother and sister-- until one night when Gary went to drop her off at home, walked her to the door and asked, "Can a brother kiss a sister goodnight?"

Connie and Gary were married on November 11 ^th , 1972, and their union brought together their children, Kim, Jay, and Joey. They owned two very successful salons over the years, Hair Unlimited in Wichita, KS, and Heads Together in Springfield, MO.  The couple eventually moved back to Attica, KS in 1980 where Connie spent many happy years working at the bank Edward Jones in Anthony, KS, and lastly Grigsby Agency (from which she retired).  Connie and Gary also took on the task of raising their grandchildren, Courtney and Kyler, whom they always considered as near and precious as an immediate daughter and son.

Connie loved nothing more than to cook and entertain for family and friends, and was unrivaled in her hospitality. There was very little Connie wasn't good at, for that matter, and anyone who knew her has likely been blessed by her kindness at one point or another.  She made everyone feel like she was their Gramma too, and best enjoyed life in the company of those she loved: spending time with her grand/great-grand babies, playing games with family and friends on the holidays, getting together with her sisters Janny and Glo, where anyone within earshot could hear them laugh, cry, or laugh until they cried.

Connie was preceded in death by her Mother and Daddy, Ruby and Red respectively, and is survived by her devoted and loving husband Gary, of their home in Attica, KS, sister Janice Troyer also of Attica; sister Gloria Biby in McPherson, KS; beloved daughter Kim Barker of Attica; son Jay and his wife Criss, of Bluff City, KS; son Joey and his husband Russ of Dallas, TX; nieces Holly Melroy and Michelle Stetler; nephew Brian Troyer and niece Julie Roberts; 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.  Connie was loved by everyone who ever had the privilege to meet her and would want everyone she knew to know she loved them, too.  She would also want us all to look out for Gary, whom she could never have lived without. She will be waiting until we are all together again.

Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2020 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper, Kansas with Pastor David Brant officiating.

Visitation with the family will be held 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper.

Memorials in memory of Connie, may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 West 14th Street, Harper, KS 67058, is in charge of arrangements.