Emoline "Emmy" Ellis, née Weldon, 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Born in Ardmore, Emmy lived in several different cities across Oklahoma with her family during childhood. She graduated from Putnam City High School, attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, and received a master's in education from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. Her first teaching position was in Nashville, Tennessee, but Emmy was a long-time employee at Lone Grove, teaching first grade, fourth grade, and reading, with some students lucky enough to be in her classroom more than once. She was a creative, patient, and dedicated teacher and was particularly proud of being named Teacher of the Year. Her students were students for life.

If you spent any time with Emmy, you realized she was incredibly intelligent, witty, and also very stubborn! Yet no one was more thoughtful or generous, and if she knew you had a collection or particular interest, she would always remember it. She was an unwavering cheerleader for her daughter, niece, nephews, and friends, and it was common for her to send cards of encouragement or post uplifting messages online.

For the last several years, Emmy suffered from complications due to diabetes, and her optimism and persistence in the face of chronic pain inspired those who knew her.

On weekends, Emmy could reliably be found watching whatever sports the University of Oklahoma Sooners were playing. If she feared she might not have access to a TV or the Internet, she'd be sure to have a backup radio. She also loved reading, particularly mysteries, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog, Lexi, with whom she shared a special bond.

Emmy was preceded in death by her father, Jack Clinton Weldon, her mother, Cynthia Sanders Weldon, and her sister, Elizabeth Weldon. She is survived by her dog, Lexi, daughter, Aimee Dars Ellis (George Nosis), sister Lynn Weldon, nieces and nephews Ryan Clinton Gilbert (Jodi), Jeffrey Thomas Gilbert (Stephanie), Kelli Lynn Cline (Chris), grandnieces Ysabel, Jordin, Gracelyn, Reese, and Josslyn, grandnephew Monroe Erebout, and many long-time friends.

All are welcome to attend Emmy's funeral service which will be held Monday, May 13 at 3:00 p.m. at Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home in Marietta, Oklahoma, with interment to follow in Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, May 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Flanagan-Watts Funeral home in Marietta.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ardmore Animal Shelter.