Peggy Zehr

Peggy Josephine Zehr was born Sept. 26, 1936, in Shamrock to Richard and Hazel (Owensby) Cooper. She passed away Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at the age of 89.

Peggy grew up in Torrance, Calif., and graduated from Narbonne High School in Harbor City where she was a twirler in the band that marched in the Rose Bowl Parade.

Peggy met the love of her life, Jay Dee Zehr, on a blind date and the two were married shortly thereafter in Torrance.

The couple moved to Alva where Jay Dee attended college and together they began a lifelong adventure in teaching and coaching.

Peggy devoted her life to being a homemaker, raising their nine children and faithfully supporting her husband’s career.

Throughout the years, the Zehr family lived in numerous communities across Kansas and Oklahoma, creating lasting friendships wherever they went.

Upon Jay Dee’s retirement, they managed a marina at Fort Cobb Lake, where they discovered their shared love for the outdoors and a slower pace of life.

Peggy especially loved attending Morgan horse shows in Oklahoma City and never missed an opportunity to cheer at a sporting event – especially if it involved her children or grandchildren.

Her favorite pastime was chasing kids and grandkids and supporting them in everything they did. She was known as Grandma, Great Grandma, Great Grandma Peggy, Grandma Zehr, Grandma Piggy, Andma, MawMaw, MawMaw Maynard and Mema Peggy.

She was a proud member of the First United Methodist Church in Hinton and a devoted patriot who loved her country deeply. In hon-or of her love for the U.S.A., Peggy requested that those attending her service wear red, white and blue.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Hazel Cooper; her husband of 56 years, Jay Dee Zehr; granddaughter- in-law, Dustie Hart; cousin, Mary Ellen Baxter; and a group of lifelong friends referred to as Ledesma- Yadon-Zehr group and her beloved extended family on Jay Dee’s side.

She is survived by nine children, Jodie Zehr of Mooreland, Joel Zehr and wife Judy, JaDena Hansen and husband Terry, Kaci Short and husband Zack, Janell Hart and husband Kelvin, Jay Zehr and Lorinda Grinstead, Jamin Hinds and husband Larry, Jeffrey Zehr and wife Shawnda, Jill Talley of Moore and Jayna Sloan and husband Jim; 27 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Peggy’s legacy of love, faith and family will live on through all who knew her.

Peggy’s family would like to thank Maple Lawn Manor and Russell-Murray Hospice for their exceptional care over the years.

Please send memorial donations to Russell-Murray Hospice, 2001 Parkview Dr., El Reno, OK 73036.

A memorial service was 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at the First United Methodist Church in Hinton with Rev. Lance Ashmore officiating.

Services were under the direction of Turner Funeral Homes, Hinton.