Theta Erleen (Girk) Pederson, age 81, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026 with her family by her side. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Theta was born on May 21, 1944 to Blain and Wilma (Martin) Girk in Beaver, Oklahoma. She lived her first years on the family farm attending grade school in Forgan, Oklahoma, then moving to Beaver, where she attended grades seven through twelve, graduating high school in 1962. She then attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where she held officer positions in the Student Education Association, an organization for future teachers. She received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1966.

More importantly, she met her future husband, Perry Pederson, while at Northwestern. They were married on July 2, 1966 in Beaver, OK. They were devoted to each other for nearly 60 years.

Perry and Theta moved to Ponca City and began their careers in education and raising their two children, Devan and Julie. Theta was a beloved elementary school teacher at both Liberty Elementary and Woodlands Elementary in Ponca City. She received Teacher of the Year by a vote of her peers three times during her time at Liberty, as well as receiving other accomplishments. She retired in 2005, being well respected in her professional career. After 45 years in Ponca City, Perry and Theta decided to move to Oklahoma City to be closer to their children and grandchildren. This turned out to be a great decision. Although they missed their friends in Ponca City, it was a highlight of Theta’s life to spend time with her grandchildren and have close relationships with them. She was an exceptionally wonderful grandmother.

Theta was dedicated to serving in her church as a Sunday School teacher and youth sponsor. She was an accomplished seamstress, making many of her children’s clothing during their growing up years. She even made Perry a leisure suit, as well as some loud ties!

Theta cherished every moment spent with her family. She will be remembered for her pleasant smile and as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her hugs and constant support touched all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and unconditional love.

Theta’s parents and middle sister, Sharon (Girk) Jones, preceded her in death. She will be remembered and missed by her youngest sister and brother-in-law, Debra (Girk) and Dale Cook; Perry Pederson, her husband of nearly 60 years; her son and daughter-in-law, Devan and Stacy Pederson; her daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Paul McQueen; granddaughter and husband, Charisa (Pederson) and Cody Norville; grandsons, Kendan Pederson, Connor McQueen, and Riley McQueen; great-granddaughter, Ruth Norville; brother and sister-in-law, Roland and Terry Pederson; nieces, Kristy (Pederson) Archuleta and Toni (Pederson) Jacquez; nephews, Todd Jones, Dennis Cook and Marc Cook; as well as many cousins and other family members.

You may call on the family on Friday, March 6th from 4 to 8 pm. A celebration of Theta’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 7th, both events at the Vondel L. Smith and Sons Mortuary at 13125 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Oklahoma City with interment to follow at Spring Creek Cemetery, 14300 N County Line Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73142.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Crown Heights Christian Church, 4020 N. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73118 or

the Salvation Army, 6601 N. Broadway Ext., Suite 300, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.