Frances "Peggy" Margaret Ladd

In gratitude for her life, we share the passing of Frances Margaret (Peggy) Ladd who died on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the age of 96. She died peacefully amid prayer and singing, surrounded by her family.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 7, 2026, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1601 S. Georgia St., Amarillo, Texas, with the Reverend Jo Roberts Craig presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Peggy was born March 2, 1930, in Miami, Oklahoma, to Perry Porter and Margaret McLemore Porter. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Secondary Education. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. While at OU she met Frank A. Ladd; the couple married in the spring of 1951. They were married for 62 years.

Peggy was passionate about life, children, animals and her community. She was a faithful long-time member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, teaching Sunday school and leading the EYC youth group. Peggy also was deeply involved with St. Andrews Episcopal School for many years, serving on their board and championing spiritual education in the community.

She supported numerous nonprofit causes including the Amarillo Panhandle Humane Society as president of their board numerous times, women’s rights, and the arts. She helped establish the Amarillo Museum of Art’s annual Gala to celebrate distinguished collections from across the country, and created and funded the Ladd Lecture series, an annual free event designed to educate and inspire appreciation for the arts in Amarillo, especially for young people. She served on the Amarillo child welfare board. She supported her alma mater as a member of OU’s Seed Sower society and gave generously to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. She supported charities too numerous to mention through both work and donations.

Peggy was an avid fan of OU Football, golden retrievers, bridge, British murder mysteries, and horse racing. She was recognized for her empathy, warmth, and grace. She was always ready to listen, entertain, and assist those in need. She had an open-door policy with all of her friends and the friends of her many children. She and her husband Frank shared a wonderful partnership grounded in mutual love and trust.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank; her son, Perry Ladd; and her son-in-law, Peter Willis.

She is survived by daughter, Susan Willis; sons, Richard and wife Patty, John and fiancée Stacy, Tom and wife Holly, and Stephen; her granddaughters, Madison Ladd Ryffel and husband Travis, Catherine Ladd, Stephanie Ladd, and Rahnee Ladd; her grandsons, Paul Willis, Richard Willis, Wes Ladd, Justin Ford, and Thomas Ladd; and her great-grandchildren, Anika Willis, Reese Ryffel, and James Ryffel. Holly’s children, Colin and Chloe, also shared a very special relationship with Peggy. Elizabeth Maldonado was her faithful, beloved caregiver.

Thanks to BSA Hospice of the Southwest for their compassionate care at the end of her life, and for the kindness of many friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.