Barbara Ann Ellis

She was born in Tipton, Oklahoma, on October 26, 1937, of the late Una and Joseph Mildren Martin of Altus, Oklahoma and was preceded in her death by her parents, and her sister, Betty Chene Frank of Altus, OK. She is survived by her spouse, Bennie Dean Ellis; her three sons, Bennie Dean Ellis Jr. and wife, Judy Ellis of Killeen, TX; Michael Kevin Ellis and wife, Martha Ellis of Oklahoma City, OK; and Bradley Martin Ellis and wife, Ruth Ellis of Round Rock, TX. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Jenny Ellis and fiancé, Tommy Sturdivant; Brittany Ellis and fiancé Cory Lopez; Cody Ellis and wife, Jasmine; Brooke Willis & husband, Andrew; Madison Ellis, Trevor Ellis, and Megan Ellis. Barbara has three great-grandchildren: Emily Ellis-Collett, Cody Michael Ellis Jr., Oliver Willis, and a great-granddaughter on the way, Jade Ellis.

She is also survived by her sister, Millie Jo Morris.

Family and friends are welcome to visit with the family from 6pm – 8pm on Friday, March 6, 2020, at Primrose Funeral Service at 1109 N. Porter in Norman, OK. The service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 10am at the funeral home.

Barbara was a graduate of Altus High School in 1955 where she was the head baton twirler for 3 years for (That Altus Band) and was top 5 in her graduating class. Barbara attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University and received her associate’s degree in Medical Technology. She married her high school sweetheart, Bennie Dean Ellis on December 10th, 1958 in Altus, OK. After the marriage, they moved to Key West, FL while Bennie served in the US Navy. After his service, they moved to Norman Oklahoma where she worked at the Norman Regional Hospital in the lab. She retired in 1996 as the head medical technologist after 36 years. During this time, she raised three strong boys, Bennie, Kevin, and Brad. After retirement, she and Bennie traveled the world collecting mugs and memories. One of her children’s fondest memories was the tradition of hiding a quarter while on vacation and when returning to places to look for it. This tradition has been carried on with her sons and hopefully with their children.

Barbara was known as “Biddums” to those closest to her. This endearment was given to her by her sons and their friends when they got taller because she was “Itty Bitty” - - Barbara towers at 5’2” allegedly. But she certainly made up for it with her strong will. She was often seen at her sons sporting events and would be the official scorekeeper at their baseball games. She continued to be a great supporter of her grandkids by attending their games, dance recitals, and gymnastic meets. Sports were a very big part of her life, especially OU football. She had been a season ticket holder for 60 years, and only missed two home games during that time. And she was known to travel to as many away games that she could manage.

She is remembered by her family for all the wonderful and fun traditions that she started. She always decorated for the different holidays, but her Christmas decorations were especially wonderful. Every room in her house was touched with her holiday spirit. And along with such a wonderful setting, she would create a fun atmosphere with her theme for each year. Everyone was to buy a gift for themselves with money that she gave them – but they would have to wrap their present with the theme for that year. The first year was “you” and you put things on the box that defined you and we would all get together and talk about them. Over the years, themes included Favorite Movie, Favorite Song, Favorite Book, Favorite TV Show, and Favorite Place. It was such a wonderful way for the family to get to know each other better. And there was always a scavenger hunt for the group to do together.

She brought the family together and she will be deeply missed.

We Love You Biddums

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Primrose Funeral Service, Norman, OK. Sign the online guestbook at www.primrosefuneralservice.com