Mary Ruth Ledford, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, servant, and faithful follower of Jesus Christ, was born in Muskogee (Hyde Park), Oklahoma, on August 1, 1946. On August 21, 2026, she peacefully entered the presence of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and grace.

Mary was the youngest of thirteen children born to Mary Pauline Upton and James Thomas Upton. She was preceded in death by all twelve of her siblings, and the life she lived carried forward the strength, resilience, and warmth of the family from which she came.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Jerry Ledford, Sr.; her two sons, Jerry Ledford, Jr. and Michael Ledford; her daughters-in-law, Patti Ledford and Shannon Ledford; seven grandchildren, Lauren Givan and husband Matt Givan, Benjamin Ledford and wife Kathryne Ledford, Bradyn Ledford and wife Stephanie Ledford, Hannah Ledford, Hayley Lantz and husband Brandon Lantz, Hayden Ledford, and Hudson Ledford; five great-grandchildren, Israel "Izzy" Ledford, Holland Ledford, Harper Ledford, Lainey Givan, and Jameson Givan; and countless beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. To her family, Mary was a steady presence, a source of comfort, and a beautiful example of steadfast love.

Mary faithfully attended Reformation Church of Tulsa, where her love for Christ and His people was evident. Her faith was not merely something she professed; it shaped the way she lived, served, endured, and loved.

A graduate of Muskogee High School in 1964, Mary later pursued nursing at St. John's in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she received her R.N. as part of the program's final graduating class in 1974. Her calling as a nurse reflected the compassion that marked her life-she cared deeply, gave generously, and brought dignity and kindness to those in need.

Mary served for many years at Children's Medical Center and later as a cardiology nurse at St. Francis Medical Center. She also worked for Tulsa Engineering and Planning, where she handled accounting and payroll with the same diligence, integrity, and care that characterized everything she did.

In retirement, Mary continued to pour herself into serving others. At Christ for Humanity, she organized and managed the pharmacy department, helping ensure that practical needs were met with excellence and compassion. At Fellowship Bible Church, she and her husband faithfully served as care group leaders, shepherding and caring for families as they journeyed through life. For many years, she also served on the Missions Committee at Fellowship Bible Church, supporting the work of sharing hope and the love of Christ around the world.

Mary loved to travel and treasured the beauty of God's creation. Over the years, she visited many wonderful places, including Israel, Germany, Amsterdam, and other memorable destinations. Yet her favorite place was always Hawaii. She made many family trips to Maui and Kauai, and she delighted in sharing those experiences with friends, often treating others to the joy and wonder she found there.

As much as Mary loved the places she visited on this earth, her greatest destination is the one she has now reached. She is home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith grew steadily throughout her life and even more deeply during her final year as she suffered greatly with pancreatic cancer. Through pain and hardship, Mary held fast to the hope of the gospel. Now she rests where there are no more tears, no more pain, and no more suffering-only the joy of being forever with the One she loved and trusted.

Mary's life was a gift to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her faithful heart, her quiet strength, her generous spirit, and the way she made others feel cared for and welcomed. Though her family and friends will miss her deeply, they do not grieve without hope. Her story continues in the lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the Savior who has received her home.

A memorial service will be held at Reformation Church, meeting at River Oaks Presbyterian Church, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Mary's memory to LifeSteps World Ministries at lifesteps.tv or text the word GIVE to 918-416-4949.