Ellen F. Furst Eisner

We mourn the passing, but celebrate the life, of Ellen, devoted wife to Stephan, loving Mother to Stephanie (Mimi) and Grant and adoring Omi to Justin, Taylor, Paige and Blake. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Ilse and Dr. Walter Furst and her cherished husband, Stephan. She was born in Leipzig, Germany but immigrated to New York City with her parents prior to World War II. While on holiday, as a young lady, in Lake Placid, New York, Ellen was unexpectedly asked to lunch by a distinguished gentleman. Intrigued, she graciously accepted his offer and was pleasantly surprised to find the gentleman who asked her to lunch was accompanied by his oldest son, Stephan. That fortunate encounter led Ellen to a lifetime of happiness and a forever lasting love with Stephan, whom she affectionately called "The Dean" during their 53 years of marriage.After a whirlwind courtship that consisted of exactly 3 dates, Stephan approached his mother, Zipf, to ask for her engagement ring so he could propose to Ellen. Zipf had always assumed that Stephan would never marry and promptly dropped her teacup. She, of course relented, and Ellen and Stephan were happily married on September 23, 1953 in Pleasantville, New York. Ellen relished in telling that story.Ellen was apprehensive but she followed Stephan to Oklahoma City, where he was working as a geologist for The Amerada. She came to love with a fierce loyalty her adopted home of Oklahoma City and the friendships she developed that lasted a lifetime.Ellen dedicated herself to a life of service and social responsibility that has left an indelible mark on the soul of Oklahoma City. She once said that she would never join a club or organization that she didn't feel she could serve as President, not because she hungered for power, but because she felt the passion of her convictions for that organization. She was a tireless volunteer at Children's Hospital and helped develop the Children's Volunteer Services, gift shop and thrift shop where all proceeds directly benefit the health and well being of so many children in need. Ellen also loved the arts. She was an active member of the Oklahoma City Orchestra League and the Oklahoma Art League. She served 2 terms as president of the acclaimed Oklahoma City Town Hall as well as being a longtime member and past president of the Reviewer's Clique Book Club. Ellen's intellect was matched by her beauty. She made weekly television appearances on the local Danny Williams Show modeling clothes sold by iconic local shops. Ellen was very well respected for her integrity, loyalty and sense of civic duty by all those who knew and loved her.She and Stephan gave generously to local charities and helped endow scholarships to the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine and the University of Missouri School of Geology, as well as endowing a chair for Harp at Oklahoma City University's School of Music.Ellen was the embodiment of social grace, elegance and charm. She loved children, animals (she would actually hand feed the squirrels in her beautiful back yard), and gardening with a passion. Her smile was contagious and her zest for life was unequaled. Her generosity was legendary. No one enjoyed giving more than Ellen, whether tangible gifts or the gift of time. Ellen is survived by her daughter, Mimi, her husband Mike Gray, Mimi's son, Justin, and daughter, Paige; son, Grant and his wife Julia and their sons, Taylor and Blake. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 1st, at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer you honor Ellen's wishes to donate to Oklahoma Children's Hospital or to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.