Wanda Mae Ellis

Wanda Mae Ellis was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Wednesday, December 9, 1936, the daughter of Orb and Eula (Ice) Loche. She passed this life on her birthday, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, having been out bowling with her great-grandson and daughter only hours before, in true Wanda style. She was 89 years of age. As a young girl, Wanda attended Lowell Elementary School and graduated from Central High School in 1954. She married the love of her life, Bill Ellis, on May 11, 1957, who lovingly called her “Miss Wanda”, and they built a life anchored in family, faith, multiple friend groups and memorable travels. Bill preceded Wanda in death with his passing in 2004. In her professional life, she started working in Accounting and Secretarial roles at Atlas Life Insurance Company, then went on to work at Coleman Ervin Architects, and later Arcadia Printing Company. She paused her career to raise her children and later returned to work. Her Christian faith and her deep care for people, were the clearest reflections of who she truly was, well beyond any professional accomplishments. She had a quiet, steady instinct for kindness. She offered support not only to those close to her but to also to others who were less fortunate or overlooked. Her generosity extended into countless hours of volunteer service. Most recently she spent time at Cancer Treatment Centers of America – a place especially meaningful to her as a breast cancer survivor. At Woodlake Church, she was an active member, always ready to help with church dinners or serve alongside her Legacy Sunday School Class. She became the heart of her high school reunions, making sure her classmates gathered year after year. Even as the class grew smaller, she kept everyone connected, every reunion lively and memorable. Wanda had a signature presence – stylish and thoughtfully put together, whether running errands or hosting company. She approached her days with that same intention, beginning each morning with Bible study, handwritten notes and lists, bringing order and purpose to the day. She loved every season and embraced the practical tasks of homeownership; even in later years, she could be found on a ladder cleaning out her gutters – determined and independent. Of all the roles she held, the one she cherished most was being Grammy. Her grandchildren were her joy, and she poured herself into every moment with them and she was their trusted advisor. Wanda leaves behind a legacy stitched together by kindness, faith and a close walk with God. Her devotion to scripture, independence, and an unfailing commitment to care – all quiet acts that reached far beyond what many ever knew. She will be remembered with the deepest of love by all who were fortunate enough to be part of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill in 2004; and six siblings. Wanda is survived by: Sons, Brad Ellis and wife Cindi of Dallas, TX, and Rick Ellis and wife Keri of Bixby, OK; Daughter, Kim Buker and husband Dr. Bill Buker of Bixby, OK; Grandchildren, Scott and Breanna Ellis, Ryan Ellis, Nathan and Sarah Ellis, Megan and Austin Murray, and Rachel and Preston Otto; Great-Grandchildren, Emma, Sophie, Bryson Ellis, and Maxwell Murray; and Sister, Myrtle Parriman of Tulsa, OK; and multiple nieces and nephews. The family requests memorials be made to Woodlake Church, 10444 South Mingo Road, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133.

Tributes

Wanda Mae Ellis

December 9, 1936 - December 9, 2025