Mrs. Sheryl Runividge Ellis

Sheryl was born in 1948 in Hobart, Oklahoma, to Joseph and Lily Deen Runividge. She was raised on a ranch in the Wichita Mountains, where she was proud to tell you she had a circus pony, a dancing billy goat, countless dogs, cats, chickens, ducks and the best childhood anyone could ever ask for.

At the age of 13, her family moved to Altus, Oklahoma and her passion for performance took off. She opened her own dance studio, played in the Altus Band at LBJ’s Inauguration Day Parade and was crowned Miss Mangum, later competing in the Miss Oklahoma Pageant.

Sheryl received Ballet and Theatre degrees from Texas Christian University and English and Education degrees from the University of North Texas.

She met her husband John Cason Ellis at the Altus Air Force Base and they married in 1970. They had two daughters, Meredith and Emily, who she often referred to as “my two greatest blessings.”

Sheryl was hired in 1972 to teach English and drama at Greenhill School; during her 25-year career, she also taught speech, technical theatre, mass media, dance, gymnastics, and even cheerleading.

Her ability to positively encourage and inspire others greatly impacted her students and the school. When she first started teaching at Greenhill School, she saw so much talent amongst her students that she petitioned the headmaster to do a musical. The musical was “Oliver” and its success launched the school’s renowned spring musicals and helped spearhead a beautiful new theatre.

As an advocate for Arts and Education, she served regionally and nationally as a board member and national co-vice president for the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, where she was awarded two presidential awards. She was also a writer and contributor for the National Standard for the Arts.

Later in life, Sheryl went on to pursue her creative and teaching passions and worked for Pat Summerall Productions, Music in Motion and Pearson Education. After retirement, she was a manager for the Angel Tree Program for the Salvation Army and spent her free time gardening, ranching and enjoying her family and friends.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lily Deen Runividge. She is survived by her husband John, daughters Meredith and Emily Ellis, and last but not least, her 2 devoted dogs, Corky and Rascal!

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Salvation Army of North Texas or to The National Pancreas Association are greatly appreciated.

“It has been an exciting life well worth living so that I could make a difference in the lives of many across the world. It is not just wandering around the world that matters, but the worthwhile contribution and difference you make to humanity. My motto is selfless vs. selfish!”

- Sheryl Ellis