Louise "Louise" Zeliff

1919 - 2023

Louise Zeliff peacefully passed away on October 13, 2023, at the age of 104 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on May 3, 1919, in Gainesville, Texas, Louise was the daughter of Rufus Carol Whiddon and Ethel Douglas Whiddon.

Louise graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Education in 1941. She married Raymond Echols in 1944 and taught elementary school in Galveston, Texas. The couple moved to Tulsa in 1948 where Raymond worked as an anesthesiologist at St John's hospital and they raised their 3 children. Upon Raymond's death in 1962, Louise supported her family by working as an Administrative Assistant at Associated Anesthesiologists, Inc.

She married Frank Zeliff in 1973, and the couple remained together until his death in 2001. The two were a popular and fun-loving pair, often seen about town at various events, dancing together and entertaining at home.

Louise found joy in various activities. She loved playing bridge, ballroom dancing, traveling, symphony and opera performances and entertaining friends and family. Her warm and welcoming nature made gatherings at her home a highlight for everyone in attendance.

She was one of the founding members of Tout-Le-Monde Women's Club and also a long-standing member of Silver Service of Tulsa and Northeast Active Timers (NEATS).

Louise was a faithful member of Boston Avenue Methodist Church, where she found solace and spiritual guidance. Her devotion to her faith was an integral part of her life, providing her with strength and comfort.

Louise will be deeply missed by her surviving family members, including her sons Steve Echols and Greg Echols, her daughter Patricia Coslor, her stepson David Zeliff, her step-grandson Ryan Zeliff, her step-great-granddaughter Rylee Zeliff, and her step-great-grandson Jonas Zeliff.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Rufus Carol Whiddon and Ethel Vaughn Whiddon, brothers Rufus and Doug Whiddon, sister Elizabeth Gueswell, first husband Dr. Raymond Echols, second husband Frank David Zeliff and stepson Paul Zeliff.

A Celebration of Life Service honoring Louise will be held at Boston Avenue Methodist Church. The date and time of the service will be announced soon. In keeping with her generous nature, she willed her remains to be donated to the Oklahoma University Medical School in Oklahoma City for educational purposes.

Louise's memory will forever be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire and uplift those whose lives she touched.