Mary Ladell Peterson

Ladell Peterson, age 97, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 28, 2026.

Born to Bonnie and Shearl Lewis Shofner on May 4, 1929, in Caddo, Oklahoma, Ladell grew up as the only girl and middle child of five children. She was talented and driven, unafraid to do dirty work on the family’s homestead farm and helped wherever she was needed. Her reliability and care for others followed her throughout her life, endearing her to many.

Ladell graduated from high school in Amber, Oklahoma, in 1947, and fell in love with Truman “Pete” Peterson, marrying him on March 17, 1951.

The daughter of a teacher and a superintendent of schools, Ladell had a passion for learning and continued her education at Central State College, graduating with her bachelor's in 1951. She immediately began teaching physical education at John Marshall High School for several years before deciding to go back to Central State for her master’s degree. Ladell graduated with her master’s in 1961, right after her son, Todd Peterson, was born.

Balancing a home life, a marriage, a transition into guidance and counseling work, and a new child was not easy, but Ladell tackled it all with the same determination and strong will she brought to every challenge life faced her with. Ever the host, she did not let life slow her down and stayed at the center of many gatherings for colleagues, friends, and family.

Ladell continued her work at John Marshall until she transitioned to Central High School, then finished her 34-year career at OKC Vocational Tech Center, where she retired.

After retirement, Ladell and Pete toured the world, traveling with friends and found family on planes, trains, and cruises. They continued to have many adventures together until Pete passed away from a long-term illness in 2015, ending their 63 years together.

Ladell closed her kitchen for good after her husband’s death, no longer having the energy for it.

She mostly let others cater and host for her, but she always had a hand in the finishing touches. Ladell is survived by her son and his wife, Todd and Michelle Peterson, their daughter, Kaycee Peterson, and many nieces and nephews.

Services to honor the life of Mary Ladell Peterson will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Matthews Funeral Home Chapel in Edmond, Oklahoma. The inurnment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at 2 p.m.