Theila Elliott

Theila Ralphine Elliott, August 1, 1944 - December 15, 2007 Theila Ralphine Elliott, know by the many who loved her as Tre, slipped away in her sleep on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at her home in Oklahoma City; following a lengthy illness. Theila was born August 1, 1944, in Vinita, Oklahoma; the daughter of Lucille and Ralph Elliott. She graduated from Vinita High School and Oklahoma State University, with a degree in Physical Education. She was a fabulous athlete, highly skilled in sports as varied as fencing, field hockey and swimming. In the days before women received scholarships, Theila was a scholar/athlete. She also was a musician, playing the guitar, bongos, harmonica, kazoo and on more than one occasion, the comb. She also wrote music and loved to dance. She was also a master jewelry maker, selling her work at festivals like the Paseo, and sharing with friends. She collected antiques, especially antique games. There was nothing she was not interested in. Theila loved children, and taught in the Ponca City and Oklahoma City School systems for 27 years, teaching almost all sports, including modern dance and track & field. She took her students to State in swimming, and was Camp Director for Campfire Girls. Theila was an enrolled Cherokee, and greatly proud of it; it helped define her identity. Theila believed passionately in equality for all, and when the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment came to Oklahoma she threw herself into the fray, volunteering her time, efforts and even her house. Theila was a most faithful and loving friend, and herself loved to dance and bring laughter into the lives of others. She is survived by her best friend and partner, Marilyn Best of the home; her sister, Pixie DeWitt of Tulsa, Oklahoma, brother, Jack Martin of Miles City, Montana; and her aunt, Necia Elliott of Vinita. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Coowesta Park, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Services for Theila will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 20, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church in Vinita with Rev. Robert Johns officiating. Interment will be in Vinita's Fairview Cemetery, under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home. A Celebration of her life will be held on New Year's Eve in Oklahoma City. Friends wishing to attend that Celebration should call 405-842-3206 for time and location.

Service Details

Thursday, December 20th, 2007 11:00am, First United Methodist Church - Vinita

Interment Details