Memorial Services for Ruth Mary (Winfield) Ellis will be at 11:00 am Saturday, January 13, 2024, in the Craddock Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Buddy Norman officiating.

Ruth was born on May 24, 1950, in Lawrence, Massachusetts to Elisha (Joe) and Rose Winfield. She was one of six children: Lonnie Joe Winfield, Michael Motherway, Lenora Winfield Miller, Jeffrey Winfield, and Donna Winfield Williams. They moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma in 1956 where Ruth lived all her life. She met Jim Ellis in 1971 and they were married for 52 years. They had two children, Clint Ellis, and Kendra Ellis Bridges.

Ruth graduated from Ardmore High School in 1968 and began her career at OG&E in 1969 as a switchboard operator. Over a 22-year tenure with OG&E, she also served as an accounting clerk and personnel director. Working at OG&E provided her with many lifelong friends and memories.

After OG&E she opened a women's boutique in downtown Ardmore. The Brass Rail Boutique was a labor of love. She and Jim remodeled the space to just the specifications she wanted. Ruth went to Dallas Market and selected all the inventory, designed display windows, and loved waiting on every customer that entered her store. Her daughter, while in middle school, worked beside Ruth after school and every Saturday.

In 1995, Ruth and Jim moved to Mansfield, Texas. She attended El Centro College and received her degree in Applied Science Interior Design. Ruth was an excellent student. She loved attending class, sitting in the front row, and engaging in class discussion. After graduation, Ruth became a Licensed Commercial Designer and Contractor. In 2003, Ruth, Jim and their son, Clint started Ellis Homes. They designed and constructed both residential and commercial spaces that people will enjoy for years to come. Jim and Ruth returned to Ardmore in 2012.

Ruth served on the board of Ardmore Little Theatre and appeared in ten productions, beginning in 1986 with the musical Carousel, and ending in 2021 with the play Dixie Swim Club. Other productions she performed in included Brigadoon, Oklahoma, Cactus Flower, On Golden Pond and Fiddler on the Roof.

She was a member of Philanthropic Educational Organization, which is a philanthropic organization celebrating the advancement of women, providing women with scholarships and motivating women to achieve their highest aspirations.

Ruth was a beloved member of the Ardmore community where she touched numerous lives and will be remembered by many.

Ruth was Mimi to five grandchildren: Laynie Ellis (27), Blake Ellis (23), Brooks Bridges (13), Jack Bridges (13) and Lyla Ellis (11). She had the privilege of spending quality time with each of them when they were young, and all the grandchildren have many fond memories of her. She shaped their lives with her wisdom, kindness, and patience.

Ruth passed away suddenly on December 28, 2023, from pancreatic cancer.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Elisha (Joe) Winfield and Rose Winfield: Brothers Jeffrey Winfield and Lonnie Joe Winfield and a nephew: Paul Winfield. She is survived by her husband, Jim Ellis of Ardmore;  Son, Clint Ellis, his wife Kathleen and their children Laynie, Blake and his wife Ayrn, and Lyla of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughter, Kendra, her husband Trent Bridges and their children Brooks and Jack of Houston, Texas; sisters and brother, Lenora Winfield Miller, Donna Winfield Williams and Michael Motherway; brother-in law Mark and Sheryl Ellis, sister-in law Charlene Goss and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews

Charitable contributions may be made in Ruth's memory to Ardmore Little Theatre:  Office at (580) 223-6387 or Email at alt@ardmorelittletheater.com.