Marilyn Annette Ehlers

Marilyn Annette (Peters) Ehlers passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 in Oklahoma City at the age of 85. Marilyn was the eldest child of Christine and Roy Peters, and was born in Maud, Oklahoma on November 18, 1937.

Marilyn grew up in Alex, Oklahoma, and was the natural leader of everything: President of Future Homemakers of America, and the Girls Glee Club, and an officer in the Order of the Rainbow, Methodist Youth Fellowship, 4-H, and pep club. She was a basketball player, a cheerleader, and an academic and speech competitor. She also played the accordion. Her picture was often in the newspaper for playing her accordion at wedding showers, the Lion's Club, church activities, various community and school programs, and Oklahoma Girls State. Marilyn was the Valedictorian of the 1955 Alex High School graduating class.

Marilyn attended Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. At OU, where she was the President of Kappa Delta Sorority, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Home Economics. Later she earned a Masters degree in School Counseling from Central State University. Marilyn's first teaching job was in Guymon, Oklahoma. While living in Guymon, she met the youth pastor, Richard Ehlers, at the local Methodist church. Marilyn married Richard on June 27,1959, at the Alex United Methodist Church. They lived in Oklahoma City, Moore, and Tuttle. She taught Home Economics, fourth grade, Kindergarten, and was a middle school counselor. She was also the Mayor of Tuttle. After retiring from 32 years in education, she worked for the Oklahoma Arts Council and the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Marilyn loved to play Bridge with anyone who would sit at the table (she was a wizard at the game!). She kept up with city and state politics, and eagerly shared her thoughts on current events. She was a member of the Oklahoma Retired Citizens Travel Club, United Methodist Women, Oklahoma Education Association, National Education Association, Jaycee Janes, and the Democratic Party.

Marilyn is predeceased by her parents, and her sister-in-law, Barbara Peters.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years Richard; daughter Kristy Ehlers; son Todd Ehlers and wife Heather; grandchildren Austin, Annika, Cooper and Duncan. She also leaves behind her sister Jeanie Sisson and husband Ken; brother Roy J Peters and Jan O'Connor; sister in-law Pat McWilliams and husband Jimmy, and a plethora of other interesting relatives, her Bridge Club members, and OSU Woman of Willard college friends.