Longtime Holdenville Educator JoAnn LaValley Laid to Rest

Barbra “JoAnn” LaValley was born December 26, 1941, to Omer and Winnie (Edgen) Fidler, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She passed away from this life on January 12, 2026, in Holdenville, OK, at the age of 84.

JoAnn was raised with a love of hard work, family, faith, and sports-values that shaped her throughout her life. During her high school years, she developed a passion for athletics, excelling in both basketball and softball. Many afternoons were spent practicing basketball behind the old red barn, where the barn itself served as the backboard and the goal was nothing more than a rim without a net. Those hours of dedication paid off, as she became an exceptional shooter, often sinking long shots and even shots from half court.

In the spring, she played softball for her high school in Tecumseh, where her strong throwing arm earned praise from her coach, who said she could “throw like a man.” She played shortstop and batted cleanup, hitting home runs over Highway 9-there was no fence to stop them. Softball was a family pastime as well, often playing in the cow pasture at home.

As graduation approached, JoAnn planned to stay home and help run the family farm, but her father insisted she pursue higher education. Excelling in bookkeeping and business courses, she enrolled in Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma, earning a one-year business certification while living at home.

JoAnn later attended East Central State Teacher’s College in Ada, Oklahoma, where she applied her prior coursework toward a business major before following her passion for sports and pursuing a degree in Physical Education. She graduated with dual majors in Physical Education and Business Education. It was during her college years that she met the love of her life, Gary Clayton LaValley, through a blind date arranged by a friend. They dated for two years and were married on January 25, 1963.

Following graduation, the couple moved to Newkirk, Oklahoma, where Gary taught at Newkirk High School. JoAnn taught physical education at Chilocco Indian School, coaching softball, directing a forty-girl drill team, teaching golf in the off-season, and leading arts and crafts classes during the summer.

Their family grew with the birth of their first son, Gary Jay, in August 1965, followed by Timothy Clayton in November 1966. After the federal government closed Chilocco School, the family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Gary worked as a computer programmer for Tuloma Gas Products and American Airlines. During that time, JoAnn attended the University of Tulsa to earn her elementary teaching certificate.

Their third son, Joseph Omer, was born in May 1969. Although Tulsa offered many opportunities, the family longed for small-town life. When teaching positions became available and Gary’s parents retired from La Valley’s Dry Goods, the family moved back to Holdenville in March 1974. Gary managed the family store while JoAnn began teaching fifth grade at Holdenville Public Schools, instructing language arts, social studies, and physical education. Their fourth son, Casey Zane, was born in October 1975.

Faith, family, and community were the cornerstones of their household. Their children were raised with clear values-God first, family second, and integrity above all else. Education, discipline, and accountability were emphasized, and family discussions were central to decision-making.

After the boys graduated and left for college, retirement brought new adventures. In 1998, Gary and JoAnn retired and spent a year teaching in Texas before purchasing an RV and joining the National Sojourners for Christ. For nearly ten years, they traveled the country with fellow believers, serving children’s homes, churches, and camps-joyful years filled with fellowship and service.

As health concerns arose, they returned to their home in Holdenville, where holidays became lively gatherings of a growing family.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband Gary LaValley. She is survived by sons Jay and Shelly LaValley of Eufaula, Tim and Krystal LaValley of Choctaw, Joe and Renee LaValley of Choctaw, and Casey and Kim LaValley of Holdenville. Fifteen grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Pall bearers are JoAnn’s seven grandsons. Carson LaValley, Gavin LaValley, Carter LaValley, Whittington LaValley, Manuel LaValley, Clinton La-Valley, and Clayton LaValley.