Sharyn Louise Peters' Obituary
Sharyn “Shari” Louise (Hamm) Peters
January 23, 1945 - August 7, 2023
Shari Peters passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 7th, surrounded by her family, after a long and valiant battle with COPD. She was 78 years old. Born in Medford, Oregon on January 23, 1945 (01/23/45) to Bettelu ‘Tutu’ Hamm Foster and Gordon Eugene Hamm, Shari lived a life highlighted by her love of travel, the ocean, dancing, and above all else, caring for others.
During her younger years, she lived all over the globe, from Oregon, Germany, Australia, Hawai’i, and eventually settling down with her husband and lifelong dance partner, Leland, in his home state of Oklahoma. While she grew to love her adopted state, her heart always belonged to Hawai’i. Originally moving there with her two sons from a previous marriage, Eric and Evan Oldham, Shari immediately fell in love with Hawai’i’s beaches, as well as its growing country music scene. It was there in Hawai’i that Shari met her future husband, Leland, on the dance floor of the Pecos River Cafe, and while her COPD eventually left her unable to get out on a dance floor, her love of dance and country music never diminished.
Shari attended the University of Hawai’i, eventually earning her masters in social work, a field and career that embodied her life. From PTA meetings, to continually being a school chaperone, to a long list of volunteer activities, to a long career with the Salvation Army, and continuing to volunteer in any organization she was able to after retiring, Shari dedicated her life to helping and caring for others. During her time in the Salvation Army, Shari worked with the Day Center for the Homeless in Tulsa, OK, specializing in care for homeless individuals who suffered from mental illness. At home, her time was often spent caring for her and Leland’s two children, Travis and Tyler Peters, as well as becoming a mother figure for many of their friends and peers, who she quickly, and gladly, welcomed and accepted as if they were her own family. Many of these friends still think of Shari as their ‘second mom’. After her children had grown and she had retired, Shari filled the need in her heart to help others through frequently volunteering at local charities and events, such as participating in the food drives at GUTS church, donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Audubon Society, and the Special Olympics, or working to help home stray cats with StreetCats.
In the 1980s, she met the love of her life, Leland Peters, at a country dance club in Aiea, Hawai’i. Leland was stationed there during his time in the Navy, and shared Shari’s love of dance and country music. Together they danced for nearly 40 years, from the cha cha and two-step, to ballroom dancing and line dancing. They helped build the country music and line dancing scene in Hawai’i, and after moving to Oklahoma, continued going out and dancing every weekend for over 30 years.
During her life, Shari was a creative soul, with a strong and determined personality. Both her yard and home are full of murals, both painted and tiled, sculptures, statues, and paintings. Her family often comments that her studio looks more like the cross between a craft store and a hands-on museum than a workspace. Shari was never one for strict organization and structure, nor for rules that she felt were unnecessary, and this was evident through her creative and imaginative works and creations. Throughout her life, despite her small stature, she was never afraid of standing up for herself or anyone else. If she felt someone was being wronged, she would be the first one to stand up and say something.
In her time, Shari has touched the hearts of hundreds, and her passing will leave a big hole in all their hearts. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Leland Peters; her four children, Eric (Tammi) Oldham, Evan (Lisa) Oldham, Travis (Rachel) Peters, Tyler Peters; her brother Kurtis Hamm; 6 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the kind and passionate care provided by Seasons Hospice of Tulsa, OK as well as the volunteer professionals of Clarehouse of Tulsa, OK for their loving care and hospitality during Shari’s final days.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, September 1st, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, in the Floral Haven Family Center, 6500 S 129th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74012.
What’s your fondest memory of Sharyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sharyn?
Share a story where Sharyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sharyn you’ll never forget.
How did Sharyn make you smile?