In Remembrance Of

Lula Mae Petersen

Mary Lula Mae Petersen was born on August 3, 1922 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to James Henry “Bud” and Loey Belle (Welch) Rankin. Lula “Lou” was the second of four children and the eldest daughter. She graduated from Claremore High School.

Lula worked as a doctor’s assistant, telephone operator and after raising her children, worked in retail and collections. She retired from Public Service Company in 1977. Lula was an avid gardener, cook and seamstress, beginning the art of quilting in her 70’s, providing beautiful quilts for many family members. Lula and her cat Cody moved from Bixby, OK to Smithville, MO in 2007.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Levay Rankin; sister, Juanita McGovern; her second husband John W. Petersen and one son, Percy E. “Buddy” Gardner.

Lula is survived by one brother, Arlice Rankin, Claremore, OK; one daughter, Sharon Fairlie, Smithville, MO; daughter-in-law, Nancy Gardner, Tulsa, OK; seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Visitation: 4:00-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 20th at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.

Viewing will be at Bixby Funeral Home 13307 S Memorial in Bixby, OK. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. at  Memorial Park Cemetery 51st and Harvard in Tulsa, OK. After the graveside friends and family are invited to meet at Lou’s favorite restaurant, Red Lobster, 51st and Yale, Tulsa, OK.

Donations may be made in Lula M. Petersen’s name may be made to Gentle Hearts Home Care, 302 Bridge Street, Smithville, MO 64089 or the American Cancer Society.

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1 comment

  • Monique Crutchfield

    It’s been 4 years ago today that you left me. There’s not a day that goes by that I haven’t thought about you at least a dozen times. I miss you so much. Almost every memory I have as a young girl, you’re there. You were always there for me. My rock, my safe place. And even though all you left me where memories, I will never forget your smiling face, you’re kind heart and you’re incredible thirst for life and beauty. You know, I’ve only been back to the cabin once since you left. I wanted to walk through the door and see you in the kitchen cooking or in your favorite chair with the cat in your lap watching jeopardy or wheel of fortune. I know a part of your soul died when dad died. I remember what you told me the last time I saw you the day before you left and I have peace knowing that you’re in a better place. I love you to the moon and back and you’ll always be close to my heart. Tell dad I love him and to save a seat on the porch swing for me. 

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