Ellen Maxine Kennedy

Ellen Maxine (McNeill) Kennedy, age 84, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. She was born on December 14, 1940, in Elmore City, Oklahoma, to John Alexander and Viva Leola (Pyle) McNeill.
Ellen grew up in Elmore City, where she developed a lifelong love of riding horses, picking blackberries, and playing basketball. A proud graduate of Elmore City High School, Class of 1958, she went on to attend cosmetology school in Lindsay, traveling by bus each day to pursue her dream.
After completing her training, Ellen married the love of her life, Charles LeRay Kennedy, on August 29, 1959. Together they shared 64 wonderful years before LeRay's passing on July 15, 2024. Their marriage was a true testament to love, devotion, and partnership.
Ellen worked as a hairdresser for 55 years, dedicating her career to helping others look and feel their best. She was deeply loved by her clients and community, not only for her skill but for her kindness and caring spirit, and she loved them in return as well.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ellen and LeRay raised four children and were blessed with 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy was her family, and she was always there for them at a moment's notice.
Ellen was a member of Satterwhite Missionary Baptist Church and enjoyed fellowship with her church family. She was also active in the Pauls Valley bowling league, where she shared laughter and friendship over the years. She was a talented seamstress and baker and was known for her famous lemon bundt cake that was a crowd favorite at local FFA dessert auctions. You could also find her making special birthday and wedding cakes for countless family members and friends - including wedding cakes for her children, Terry and Clyda. She loved monogramming towels and creating personalized gifts for weddings, graduations, and other celebrations.
Ellen had a servant's heart - always giving, always thinking of others first. She lived her life guided by the values of hard work, kindness, and teaching those around her to do your best at everything you do. She often reminded her family, "If you're as pretty on the inside as you are on the outside, you'll be just fine." Ellen's legacy of love, generosity, and faith will continue to live on through the family and friends she so deeply cherished.
Ellen is survived by her Son, David Kennedy and wife Kim of Elmore City, OK and his family Charlie and Crystal Kennedy and their children David, Charlie, and Austin of Elmore City, OK and Katie Kennedy of Rush Springs, OK; Son: Terry Kennedy of Elmore City, OK and his family Hope and Brett York and daughter Brailey and husband Canaan Miller of Ada, OK; Hoak and Tayl'r Kluver and their children Jett, Cooper, and Gus of Pocasset, OK; Dally and Lane Hopper and their children Kenleigh and Sage of Elmore City, OK; and Thomas Kennedy of Elmore City, OK; Daughter, Cendy Combes and husband Steven of Elmore City, OK and her family Sarah and husband Jason Quigley of Destrehan, LA and Seth and Harlee Combes of Enid, OK; Daughter, Clyda Ware and husband Alan of Pauls Valley, OK and their family, Derby and Malia Whitefield of Stillwater, OK, Kennedy and Zach Perry of Houston, TX, Daniel and Darcie Ware and Bennett of Norman, OK, and Rachel and Callie Ware and Sosie of Oklahoma City, OK; Brother, Wayne McNeill and wife Carolyn of Pauls Valley, OK; Sister-in-law, Dona Kennedy of Elmore City, OK.; and a host of other friends and family members.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Charles LeRay Kennedy; Parents, John Alexander and Viva Leola (Pyle) McNeill; Daughter-in-law, Coie Sue Kennedy; Great- Granddaughter, Brettley Nicole York; Sisters, Wanda Clark, Ida Ruth Horn, Ruby Walker; and Brother, J.T. "Tubby" McNeill.
Services for Ellen will be on November 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Elmore City with Allen Carroll and Jimmy Balentine officiating. Interment will be at Elmore City Cemetery following. Services are under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home in Elmore City, Oklahoma. Visitation for Ellen will be on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at Wooster Funeral Home in Elmore City. If you would like to send your condolences to the family you may do so at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com