Mary Ann Legako

Mary Ann Legako

1926-2019

Mary Ann Norman Legako passed from the loving arms of her family into the loving arms of Jesus Christ on May 8, 2019.

During her life, Mary Ann was strong and courageous; she was sweet, kind and gracious toward everyone. Others often commented about her smile—it was her way of making them feel welcomed, special and loved.

 She was an extraordinary woman of God, living her faith every day. She believed in the power of prayer and hope. Throughout her 93 years, Mary Ann remained devoted to her family, with a deep interest in all that was happening in their lives.

 Born January 7, 1926 in Oklahoma City, Mary Ann was the loving daughter of Lora Mildred and William Percy Norman. She admired her older brother, Bill, and was especially close to her Aunt Belle. Wanting to be part of the Drumright High School Band, Mary Ann lived with Aunt Belle for about a year before returning to graduate from Luther High School.

 She attended Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha, Oklahoma, graduating in only three years to become a high school teacher in Wellston.

 Back from World War II, Joe Legako fortunately was teaching veterans in Wellston at that time. When Mary Ann first saw Joe walking across campus, she told a friend: “There’s the man that I will marry someday.” Another teacher introduced the pair and soon Joe was asking Mary Ann’s parents for her hand in marriage. (Even though Mary Ann’s dog, Shorty, bit Joe when calling on her for their first date, he was not discouraged.)

 Mary Ann and Joe were married in Luther on August 1, 1948 and lived as a loving couple for more than 70 years. They have two daughters, Meridith and Jana, who learned many of life’s valuable lessons from their mother—the love of learning, staying engaged in the world and having lifelong interests. She taught by example, showing the importance of keeping family and friends close.

 Joe and Mary Ann created their home in Watonga, Oklahoma. Mary Ann spent 35 years as a business teacher at Watonga High School. During this time, she achieved her Master of Education degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. As the advisor of the Future Business Leaders of America at Watonga, Mary Ann’s students won numerous state and national awards. She was recognized for her excellence in teaching on state and local levels, yet it was her personal attention to students and their needs that set Mary Ann apart.

 After retirement, Mary Ann and Joe moved to Edmond where they lived for more than 25 years. In 1999, and then again in 2002, they welcomed the arrival of their granddaughters, Mary Ann and Susan. Mary Ann soon “named” her grandmother “Gamma,” a name that she lovingly welcomed.

 Mary Ann loved attending Church of the Servant where she was part of the quilting club. She made many friends at Touchmark’s retirement community, where Joe and Mary Ann have made their home for the past five years.

 Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband, Joe; her two daughters, Jana Legako of Oklahoma City and Meridith Scott of Tewskbury, New Jersey; her son-in-law, Joe Scott and granddaughters, Mary Ann Aja Scott and Susan Lora Scott; and the many nieces and nephews that she loved very much.

 Memorial services will at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Church of the Servant United Methodist Church, Oklahoma City. Graveside services will at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 13, 2019, at the Wellston Cemetery, Wellston, Oklahoma. Viewing will be Sunday, May 12, from noon to 8:00 p.m., at Matthews Funeral Home-Edmond. Gifts in her memory may be made to Church of the Servant Music Ministries.