Ella May Byers

Ella May Byers died peacefully, surrounded by her family on January 15, 2023. Born in Olney, Oklahoma, on May 23, 1938 to Roy and Lucinda Lee, she grew up in the Coalgate, OK area and moved to Lewis, Kansas with her family in 1956. In 1968 the family moved to Dodge City.

Beginning in 1973 she and Jesse Byers were married for 14 years. Education was important to her, she earned her GED and went on to graduate with an associate’s degree from Dodge City Community College.

She owned and operated the Diet Center for many years, had a embroidery business, and worked in the offices at Methodist Youthville until she moved from Dodge City. As an active member of the Methodist Church she was a Stephen’s Minister and enjoyed the fellowship there. Ella May was an artist who enjoyed painting and loved country music and dancing. She and her partner, James Blakley were well known for their jitterbug moves. Ella May loved her dog Grizzly and spending time with family. She cherished any time they were together.

Ella May moved to Jenks, Oklahoma in September 2015, where she resided with her daughter Gayle. She actively participated in activities at the Jenks, Senior Center. In May 2021, she became a resident at Emerald Memory Center, Claremore Oklahoma.

Ella May is survived by her four children: Carol (Terry) Schneweis, Grand Forks, ND.; Kathy (Phil) Stone, Jenks, OK; Terry (Cyndie) Martin, Tupelo, OK, and Gayle Martin, Tulsa, OK; Twelve grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and her sister Ruth Smith, who lives in Coalgate, OK. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Franklin, and sisters Josephine, Dovie, and Grace.

The family will celebrate her life in a private gathering. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Choice Hospice, 8010 S 101st, E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74133. Condolences may be mailed to Kathy Stone, 11516 S. Locust, Jenks, OK. 74037.