Loneta Hayes

Loneta Louise Peterson Hayes, 89, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, in her home after a long battle with cancer. Loneta was the mother of four, proud grandmother of 6 and delighted great grandmother of two. Born on December 3, 1935, in Enid, Oklahoma, to parents Ed and Myrtle Peterson, she was raised on a farm where she learned to be resilient and tough, feeding chickens and turkeys before the sun rose and cooking for her father, brother and farm hands, especially during harvest. At only 5'1", Loneta played high school softball and basketball, and was given the nickname, "Pete," shortened for her last name of Peterson. After completing high school, she graduated from college with a bachelor's in education and later earned a master's in education.

Passionate about her calling as a teacher, she spent over 30 years in the public school system dedicated to teaching Middle School and High School English, as well as various business classes at Vo-Tech. While teaching, she served as a senior sponsor, prom sponsor, and the yearbook advisor. She had a strong work ethic and instilled her love of learning to many.

Her teaching extended beyond the classroom to our home where she taught us many valuable life lessons as our mother. She enjoyed family meals and was always ready to beat us at dominoes or a card game. As a long-time resident of Norman, she was a sports enthusiast who loved to watch Sooner football, basketball and the OKC Thunder. She was also an active member of North Haven church.

Our mom loved traveling and enjoyed unique travel experiences such as meeting the first female Iditarod racer while in Alaska. She was an incredibly talented and accomplished person pursuing many hobbies over her life including gourmet cooking, knitting, oil painting, decorating, and country western dancing. An avid gardener, she planted a beautiful garden for every season. Her deep purple Iris's looked like prize winners. A stylish dresser, we will always remember her many shades of red lipstick, always applied before leaving the house. We are comforted she is with the Lord now. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her children Doneta Hayes, Jeff Hayes, Sheri Barnes and husband Alan, Kevin Hayes and wife Christina. Grandchildren Katie Gee and husband Clint, Jake Hayes, Logan Hayes and wife Rodora, Seth Hayes and wife Maggi, Andy Ayala and husband Brenden, Kali Barnes and great grandchildren Gemma and Nora Ayala.