08/11/2026
Omega Omega Service is August 13, 2026 -- 10:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church Lawton, OK
Funeral services celebrating the life of Mrs. Ruby J. Peters will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Lawton, Oklahoma, with Pastor Larry Thomas officiating.
Mrs. Ruby J. Peters was born on September 30, 1943, in DeRidder, Louisiana, to John L. Coker and Lorena Davis. Her life became a beautiful testament to education, family, service, compassion, and a commitment to helping others.
On March 4, 1968, Ruby married the love of her life, Major Peters. Together they built a loving family, becoming parents to two adopted children, Samuel K. Peters and Joy Denise Dees (née Peters).
In December 1990, Ruby and Major’s family grew in a special and unexpected way. Shirley Marks and Winfred Steele Sr. had welcomed their third son, while Grandmother Mary Steele, who had helped care for Winfred Jr. and Anthony Steele, was unable to take on the care of another child. Ruby’s mother, Lorena Davis, contacted Ruby and Major and told them about a baby who needed a loving home.
Ruby simply responded, “Yes,” and the rest became a treasured part of the family’s history. From that moment forward, Ruby opened her heart and her home, beginning a journey that would forever shape the life of her son Samuel and countless others around her.
A Life Dedicated to Education and Service
Ruby believed deeply in the power of education. She attended Cameron University, Southwestern University, and the University of Texas, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s degree in Education.
She devoted her professional life to teaching, serving at several elementary schools within the Lawton Public Schools system, and her influence extended far beyond the classroom. Ruby was a passionate advocate for students, educators, and the community she loved, serving as past president of the Professional Educators Association of Lawton (PEAL). She was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, the Lawton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and Phi Delta Kappa, Epsilon Delta Chapter.
Her desire to advocate for students and educators eventually led her into the political arena. In 2018, Ruby ran for the United States Congress as an Independent candidate, receiving 9,323 votes. Her campaign reflected the same courage and determination that characterized her life — when Ruby believed something could be better, she was willing to stand up and work to change it.
Her Legacy
Ruby touched countless lives as an educator, advocate, church member, community servant, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her legacy will live on through the students she taught, the educators she supported, the community she served, and, most importantly, the family she loved.
She leaves to cherish her memory: Samuel K. Peters of Lawton, Oklahoma; Winfred Steele of Yukon, Oklahoma; cousin Gwen Johnson of Alexandria, Louisiana; four grandchildren, Darius Dees, Akellah Dees, Cameron Dees, and Marcus Dees; daughter-in-law Wande Dees; and great-grandchild Ire Dees, all of Austin, Texas; along with extended family, friends, former students, colleagues, church family, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing her.
A graveside dismissal service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Mose Cemetery, 62388 Wilbur Dillon Road, Angie, Louisiana 70426, with Pastor Robert Robinson officiating and offering words of comfort.
The Lawton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will conduct the Omega Omega Service in honor of Soror Ruby J. Peters.
Services are entrusted to Temple & Sons Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
A life of service. A heart for education. A legacy of love.
