Peggy Lou Henshall

Peggy Lou Morris Henshall made the journey from Oklahoma to heaven on Monday, September 9. Mrs. Henshall was the daughter of Lula and Noel Morris. She was born on May 21, 1925 in the home of her grandparents in Ada, which was the custom at the time.

Peggy came from a family of Oklahoma educators. Her Morris grandparents were the first teachers in McAlester, Oklahoma teaching at the first school there in 1900. Her mother taught first grade in Beggs, Oklahoma before Peggy was born. Proudly, both of Mrs. Henshall’s daughters followed in the family’s footsteps and also became Oklahoma educators.

Mrs. Henshall’s parents died when she was young. In December of 1939 she moved with her step mother and family to Collinsville, Oklahoma. This move proved to be life changing for Peggy. She met a young show off high school boy in English class named Ray Henshall. At first she was not impressed. Thankfully she gave him a second look and a chance at a date. He was the first and only boy she ever kissed. They were married on November 9, 1942 during the rages of World War II. The union lasted seventy four years!

Peggy was the last known “Rosie the Riveter” in her beloved Collinsville. Mrs. Henshall worked at Spartan in Tulsa, Oklahoma making parts of airplanes. When it was discovered that she could type very well, she was transferred to Captain Baldour’s office at Spartan. Employees were not allowed to move from one section of the building to the other areas to prevent spies from seeing the various details of the airplane parts. Peggy was allowed to go to any and all sections to deliver information to the various supervisors. She also worked as a riveter at the Douglas Defense Plant in San Diego, California when her husband was in Quarter Master Naval training at Camp Pendleton.

Mrs. Henshall was a talented pianist and organist volunteering her talents at funerals and weddings throughout the Collinsville community as well as faithfully playing for worship services at the Methodist Church for sixty eight years. When her family relocated to Collinsville and attended high school, individuals would check her out of school and drive her to a local church to play for a funeral. She was then returned to high school for the remainder of the day. The community had very few individuals with the musical expertise to play for funerals and events. Fortunately Peggy was an excellent musician at a young age.

Peggy’s faith was forged and solidified at the Methodist Church. She walked down Oak Street with June Clayborn Hoffman to worship services. Her faith in God started at age fourteen and continued for the remainder of her life. Mrs. Henshall taught first and second grade Sunday School class with Norma Blunt for twenty eight years. Together they helped to create a sound Christian foundation for children in the community.

Mrs. Henshall was a member of her beloved church as well as the Collinsville Garden Club, the Eastern Star where she received her fifty year pen, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was recently recognized by the American Legion for her devotion as a military wife during World War II, for her work as a riveter, and her lifelong patriotism.

Peggy Henshall leaves behind to continue the spirit of volunteerism and service to two daughters—Carol Henshall Mitchell and Dr. Linda Henshall Wilson. She was the loving and devoted grandmother to Jeannie Mitchell Morrow, Joel Kevin Mitchell, and Scott James Holden. Peggy hit her stride when she had great grandchildren, all of which she enjoyed spoiling at every opportunity. They are Jacob Morrow, Jenna Morrow Ramos, Jonah Morrow, Allison Mitchell Harrington, Hailey Holden, and Caleb Mitchell. Peggy dearly loved her son-in-laws Joe Mitchell and Allan Wilson. Mrs. Henshall had so many loving friends over the years which includes Susan Tucker Vaughn and her family. Our family believes that we will all be reunited in heaven with Jesus Christ, our personal Lord and Savior, as well as with our Heavenly Father. The circle will be completed and remain unbroken throughout the ages.

I lieu of flowers, donations in Peggy's name can be made to the Meadowcreek United Methodist Church Handbell Project, 14205 E 146th St N, Collinsville, OK 74021.