Peggy Kates

Growing up on a dairy farm in rural Oklahoma, Peggy Kates learned the value of hard work, high morals, and loving everyone. Despite being kicked out of the sandbox for having red hair, Peggy survived to be valedictorian, Oklahoma District Dairy Princess, earned a scholarship to UCO, and graduated from college with a double major in biology and chemistry. After graduation Kates served as an academic advisor at UCO, taught mid-high science in Edmond Public School District, and was also a childbirth educator at Mercy Health Center. 

During her junior year of college, one of the defining moments of her life occurred. At the church where she attended, she met Ben, the love of her life and they were soon married. In March of 1976 Peggy traded in her tiara for a hard hat, and she and Ben and another friend started Midwest Wrecking Company. Together they grew the business to be the largest demolition company in Oklahoma. Peggy held the position of Corporate Financial Officer for 45 years. 

In 2015, Peggy’s fate changed once more, as Ben, her beloved husband of 44 years, died unexpectedly. She will tell you that it was the most difficult part of her life. Nevertheless, Peggy continued as CFO until her retirement in 2021. 

Peggy believes in giving back and currently serves as board secretary and development committee chair for the Science Museum of Oklahoma, secretary for the University of Central Oklahoma Foundation and past president for the YWCA and the Oklahoma Zoological Society. She currently serves on the boards for Focus on Home, Oklahoma City Police Foundation, Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits, LOKC Alumni   and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. She also donates time to St Jude’s, Calm Water, Make a Wish, and ReMerge. Peggy is a member of Leadership Oklahoma Class 34 and Leadership Oklahoma City Signature Class 40. She was recently named as one of “50 Women Making a Difference” and has been awarded the title of “Distinguished Alum”, the highest honor at the University of Central Oklahoma. 

A life-long fan of sports, Peggy has volunteered countless hours to the Oklahoma Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) as state treasurer, and director of four National AAU Girls’ Basketball Tournaments with over 1000 participants in each tournament. For her efforts Peggy received the Oklahoma AAU Volunteer of the Year Award twice.  

Peggy is an accomplished speaker, and her down to earth humor, life’s experiences, and demonstrations inspire, motivate, and encourage those in attendance. Her colorful and inspirational tales of life as a woman of faith, mother, grandmother, and businesswoman have made her a sought-after speaker. 

Peggy juggles her involvement with non-profits but still finds the time to spend with her four children and nine grandchildren. Rarely does she miss one of their activities.