Ann L Pepper

Ann loved her family and was loved in equal measure. She had a childlike wonder of the world around her. She was a mom for all ages easily engaging with her children and grandchildren in all the stages of their lives, serving them as a pragmatic, loving guide and supporter. She was whip smart and funny, comfortable in her own skin, humble. She mastered the art of spending time with herself and enjoyed solitude.

Ann was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, the third child of Henrietta and Ben Levine. Her brother, Stanley, taught her how to jump out of a moving car. Her sister, Barbara, was her partner in giggling at anything. As the daughter of a local merchant she led a fortunate life. Her first job was helping her aunts, Sadie and Daisy, in the millinery department of the family-owned Dixie store. Ann and her friends spent hours in the Levines’ basement, dancing to records. She was active in many groups from the Chickettes to Emanon and graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1949.

She attended both the Universities of Oklahoma and Illinois, and earned her teaching degree from the University of Illinois. Following college, she moved to Pueblo, Colorado to teach first grade. Attending Rosh Hashanah services at her new Congregation, Ann found herself as the belle of the Pueblo Jewish ball. All the yentas descended upon her with their perspective suitors, but only Marion Goodman was successful with her pick of Sidney Pepper. Ann’s first thought as she saw him climb the stairs for their first date was how big his feet were. While courting they ate out at all the restaurants that owed Sid’s family furniture store money. They married in 1955 and were true partners in life. They shared a devotion to family, a thirst for learning, and a commitment to serving their community. Their marriage lasted 54 years before Sid passed away. When asked the secret to their long marriage, Ann, ever the pragmatist, stated, “You just have to live long enough.” Sid stated it was because he always put the toilet seat down after use.

Ann enjoyed playing bridge with her beau, going to plays and musicals. She was active in the community of Ada, Oklahoma, where she belonged to three different bridge clubs and served as president of the Fortnightly Study Club and the Ada Library Friends. She tutored kids in the Ada Public Schools who needed extra help and led Campfire Girls and Bluebird groups. Her home was a popular gathering spot for her daughters' friends, and she took an active interest in their friends’ lives. She was a lifelong member of Temple B’nai Israel in OKC and the Democratic Party.

Ann leaves behind her three daughters, Melissa, Beth (Tom Cooper) Pepper, and Amy; her two grandchildren Harry and Audrey Cooper; her nieces and nephews Dick Rudnick (Sheila Trugman), Hal Rudnick (Renee Rudnick), Jane Rudnick, Beckie Wilson (John Wilson) and all of their children and grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, and sister, an unfinished book, and a stack of books unread. Also by a pack of loving dachshunds.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ada Library Friends, 124 S. Rennie Ave., Ada, OK 74820.

A graveside service for Ann will be held Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Memorial Park Temple B’nai Israel Cemetery, 13343 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM at Temple B’nai Israel, 4901 N. Pennsylvania Ave.