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Obituary Listings

Peggy Ann Risinger

March 23, 1931 September 21, 2024
Peggy Ann Risinger
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Obituary for Peggy Ann Risinger
Peggy Ann Risinger, a cherished resident of Altus, Oklahoma, peacefully departed this life on September 21, 2024, at the age of ninety-three. Surrounded by her beloved family, Peggy's spirit remains an enduring presence in the hearts of those who loved her.

Born on March 23, 1931, to Loyd and Iva Briscoe in Hess, Oklahoma, Peggy exemplified determination from an early age. She pursued her education with vigor, graduating from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a bachelor's degree. Peggy began her career in education, teaching for a year in the Humphreys School. On May 29, 1952, she wed her childhood friend and high school sweetheart, Johnnie Risinger. Following their marriage, Peggy and Johnnie lived in Norman, where she served as an assistant to the Dean of Education at the University of Oklahoma. After Johnnie's graduation from the University of Oklahoma, they moved home to Southwest Oklahoma. She transitioned into healthcare, initially as a bookkeeper for Jackson County Memorial Hospital. In 1967, Peggy achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first female president of a hospital in Oklahoma when she was appointed President of Jackson County Memorial Hospital. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in the design and planning for a new healthcare facility, bringing groundbreaking medical technology to Southwest Oklahoma. As well, she was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma Hospital Association in 1980. In 1981, Peggy accepted a position as Vice President of Government Programs for Blue Cross & Blue Shield in Tulsa, where she served with distinction until 1997. Her commitment to advocating for underserved populations earned her the "I Make a Difference Award."

While at Blue Cross & Blue Shield, she continued her pursuit of professional milestones. She was admitted as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives in 1990. She served as Chapter President for the National Management Association and received a Service Award in 1992. The Oklahoma Hospital Association awarded Peggy the prestigious Joan K. Leavitt Outstanding Achievement Award in 1994.
After retirement and moving back to Altus, she continued her legacy of service as a councilman on the Altus City Council, where she dedicated twelve years. During this time she worked six years as an assistant to Jan Diltz in Administration for English Village. She resumed her participation as a member of the choir of First Baptist Church and volunteered for the Oklahoma Alzheimer's Association.

Peggy possessed an extraordinary gift for conversation, often viewed as her favorite sport by those who knew her. Her prodigious memory never allowed her to forget a face, and she had the unique ability to make everyone feel valued and heard. She has been described as confident, determined, and visionary. Her faith was an integral part of her life, as was her profound love for others. Peggy took the greatest pride in her family, a testament to her nurturing spirit.

She and Johnnie celebrated sixty-one blessed years of marriage until his passing on March 6, 2014. Together, they raised four children: Kris, Mark, Marilyn, and Kelly. Peggy's love extended to her role as a grandmother, embraced lovingly as "Meme." She delighted in nourishing her family with her home-cooked meals and sweet treats, particularly her famous chocolate cake.

Peggy is preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Risinger; her parents, Loyd and Iva Briscoe; and her brothers, Sonny and Kenny Briscoe.

She is survived by her sisters Jane Beach and Pat Easley; loving sons, Mark Risinger and Kelly Risinger; daughters Kris Risinger Terry (Tim), and Marilyn Kay O'Neil; grandchildren Katy O'Neil Sullivan, Jane Terry Khalaf, Ryan Terry, Sydney Risinger Aschenbrenner, Owen Risinger, and Patxi Risinger-Chopeitia; great-grandchildren Genna Sullivan, Aeden Sullivan, Realeigh Ann Risinger, Penelope Aschenbrenner, Barrett Aschenbrenner, Josephine Khalaf, Andrew Khalaf, and Graham Khalaf; along with many other cherished family members and dear friends.

Peggy Ann Risinger's legacy of love, strength, and compassion will remain forever in the hearts of those she touched.

In lieu of flowers, Peggy requests donations to the First Baptist Church of Altus.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 10, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Altus, Oklahoma. The Risinger family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the funeral home. Funeral services are under the care and direction of Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
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Previous Events

Visitation

Wednesday

9

Oct

6:00 PM 10/9/2024 6:00:00 PM - 8:00 PM 10/9/2024 8:00:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel

1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521

Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road Altus 73521 OK
United States

Funeral

Thursday

10

Oct

1:00 PM 10/10/2024 1:00:00 PM
First Baptist Church

300 North Main
Altus, OK 73521

First Baptist Church
300 North Main Altus 73521 OK
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