Susie (Ellis) Ward, 67, passed away May 13, 2024, surrounded by family. Though dementia would take her far too young, her illness was but one short chapter in a life well lived.

Susie was born to Paul and Shirley Ellis on Valentine's Day, 1957 in Oklahoma City. She attended U.S. Grant High School before moving to Norman, where she graduated from Norman High. You could often find her blazing a path between Oklahoma City and Norman in her prized cherry red Camaro.

At 14, Susie would meet her future husband, Mike, at a U.S. Grant football game. Mike was taken with her long, dark hair and contagious smile. Introduced by a mutual friend, the pair would soon become inseparable. Mike would ride his bike to her house to visit her before they could drive. Together they were active in the youth group and choir at Exchange Avenue Baptist Church.

Mike and Susie married on May 19, 1979. In 1981 they welcomed a daughter, Jenny, and in 1986, a son, Scott. Susie's gentle disposition and love for children made her a natural and beloved mother. She took care of everyone before herself, even going into work before dawn so she could be home with her kids in the afternoons. Once she became a grandmother, Susie could sit quietly with her grandchildren for hours, coloring, doing puzzles or playing games. She delighted in them. Even until the end, children made her light up.

Before having her own children Susie worked as a preschool teacher. She later worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for 25 years, where she was lucky enough to work along side her sister, Cara, everyday. Even in the workplace Susie was known as the caregiver. She was the party planner, chief comforter, and occasional practical joker. She always had the makings of a party ready to go in her trunk!

Susie spent many vacations on the beaches of Mexico. From the time she was a baby, she had a love for water that would stay with her throughout her life. She loved camping at the lake, playing in the falls at Sulphur, floating in the pool, riding on a boat, listening to ocean waves… even extra long showers! And if there wasn't water nearby, you could still find her outside on a warm day, soaking up the sunshine.

More than anything, Susie loved being with her people. She was happiest sitting and visiting for hours on end with her family, quietly listening, always serving. She was the queen of goody bags, the best gift giver, and always knew the right words to say. She inherited an ornery streak from her father, and quiet dignity from her mother. She was strong, gentle, sweet, stubborn, thoughtful, compassionate, and so easy to love. She has certainly earned her heavenly rest.

Susie is survived by her husband, Mike Ward; daughter, Jenny Atwell and husband Ryan; son Scott Ward and wife Trinity; grandchildren Sarah Atwell and Ethan Atwell; mother, Shirley Ellis; brother, Mark Ellis and wife Pat; sister, Cara Wortham and husband Tommy; nieces and nephews, Tamara, Paul, Brad and Carley; grandnieces and grandnephews, Thomas, Scarlett, Henry, Easton and Blayke. Susie was preceded in death by her father, Paul Wayne Ellis and nephew, Timothy Ellis.

Susie's life will be celebrated Wednesday, May 22 from 1:30-4:00 pm. Cole's Garden, 1415 N.E. 63rd St., Oklahoma City. A short ceremony will take place at 2:00pm with the folks welcome to share memories and greet family until 4:00 PM. Please wear color in her honor.