Eleanor Louise Myers

Eleanor (Ellie) L. Myers, 85, of Edmond, Oklahoma , devoted and loving wife, mother, Nana and Great grandmother died after a short illness and while surrounded by family Tuesday, December 19. 2023. She was the eldest of two children born to Delmer and Louise (Main)Vaughn in New Canton, Illinois on May 25, 1938. She married the love of her life, Richard Myers, February 3, 1962 in Pleasant Hill, Illinois.

She always said the best decision she ever made was marrying Richard. She loved him unconditionally, and that love was returned 10 fold throughout their almost 62 years of marriage.

Theirs was a marriage filled with laughter, and a shared love of reading, crossword puzzles, socializing, pets, visitors, and family vacations.

She and Richard also had a passion for traveling, having been to a total of 23 countries together. When Exxon gave them the opportunity to transfer the family to Japan for 18 months, she eagerly embraced living abroad and dedicated many hours to learning about the culture, food and art. Ellie had a passionate desire to learn, and she attended college later in life, graduating from Rutgers University in three years while raising four children.

She was a Girl Scout leader for many years and encouraged the girls to be productive and creative in fun and innovative ways. Her artistic nature came to life in painting, needlework, and all sorts of arts and crafts. Many times did her family hear her say "That's a cute ( fill in the blank) ! Let's not buy it, we can make one instead !" Ellie would spend untold hours making handmade gifts for Richard's many co-workers every holiday season.

Ellie was a dedicated, involved Mom who loved her children fiercely. Her family meant the whole world to her, and she was always there to help when needed, no matter when or where. Whether it was staying for weeks in hospital rooms helping loved ones through cancer treatments and surgeries, or taking care of her grandchildren when one of her kids were sick or injured, we all knew we could count on her to be there.

She also cherished her friends, and there were many friendships that lasted sixty years or more, with visits or phone calls keeping the relationships alive. Her triple M's ("Merry Mischief Makers") group in Texas was a tight knit sisterhood of friends whose bond lasted long after she moved to Oklahoma.

Eleanor's service nature led her to volunteer for everything from the PTA to social service organizations, and she was always the first to step forward. She assisted with the clients at Lighthouse for the Blind, taught GED classes at the local jail, was a Domestic Abuse Coordinator, finding housing for those escaping violent relationships, a Rape Crisis Liaison and a child court advocate. She didn't choose the soft fuzzy volunteer jobs, hers had sharp edges, always utilizing her ability to stand strong and advocate despite difficult challenges.

Ellie's biggest challenge would become her 12 year struggle with Alzheimer's. Despite the condition stealing much of her memory, she never forgot to tell us that if we ever needed anything, just to call her. And she was still teaching us important life lessons throughout all the stages of the disease . She taught us unconditional love and patience... to live in the moment, because the moment was all we really had. We stopped beginning conversations with 'Remember when...' because she ...did not. She taught us patience and acceptance. We were whomever she thought we were and didn't challenge the 'place' she was in. Although Alzheimer's did afford her some amazing 'careers' in her golden years! She was at various times, a hot air balloon captain, had climbed Mt Everest, ran several companies, was a crime detective in New York and even played second base for the Yankees!! Despite the ravages of dementia, the disease couldn't steal the love she felt for Richard, or the love he had for her. She retained her sharp sense of humor all along, and they would both talk and laugh for hours on end, until the very end. Because of Richard's love and complete devotion ,she was blessed to be able to remain in their home until her passing.

Eleanor was a life member of New Canton Order of the Eastern Star and Edmond Lions Club member. She served many years on the Board of Directors for FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center, Humble, Texas. While there she was awarded Woman of the Year for her dedication and efforts towards these families.

She is survived by Richard, sons Rick of Pittsfield,Il., and Kevin and his wife Ramona of Conroe, Tx. Daughters, Michelle Myers-Begane and her husband, Joe, of Derby, Ks; and Kathy Alvarez and her husband, Rick, of Edmond, Ok. She was an amazing Nana to ten grandchildren, Rachel and Richie Myers, Jackie, Carly and Derek Begane,Emily and Samantha Alvarez, Ann and Melanie Myers, Katie Uriostegui ,as well as 8 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Lewis 'Bud' Vaughn.