Waynette Dee Elliott

Waynette Elliott, much loved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away July 5, 2026. She was 85 years old.

She was born October 22, 1940, in Pecos Texas to Lucille and JD Tilley. The family soon grew to include a little sister, Linda. They moved to Elk City by the late 1940s, following the oil fields. A striking brunette with green eyes, she could be seen riding her horse Babe around the local parks. It was on one of these rides that she caught the attention of Jim Elliott, who soon asked her to a Valentine's Day party at First Baptist Church. Thus began a romance that would span nearly 75 years.

At Elk City High School, she was a cheerleader and played the clarinet in the high school band while Jim excelled on the football field. After graduation, she attended Lindenwood College for Women in St. Charles, Missouri, then transferred to Oklahoma State University. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority at OSU and graduated with an education degree.

She and Jim were married July 27, 1963, and moved to San Antonio, Texas to complete Jim's Army service. After his discharge, they eventually settled in Tulsa, where Waynette taught elementary school at Stevenson Elementary. Her daughter Jamie was born in 1970, and her son Clint followed in 1974.

Waynette made her home and family her life's work, and her strong faith was central to her life. She was a constant warm and supportive presence for her family and friends, and a patient and loving caretaker of numerous pets through the years. She volunteered at Meals on Wheels, and was a faithful attendee of church and Bible study at Kirk of the Hills, where she also was a longtime member of the Kirk Choir's alto section. At home she was an avid reader - even as her memory faded she wanted to know what books you had recently read and what you thought of them. An avid sports fan, she enjoyed watching and discussing events like Wimbledon, the World Cup, or the NBA finals, and she was always ready to cheer on her OSU Cowboys, especially on the football field.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Jim Elliott, her sister, Linda Willis of Oklahoma City, her daughter Jamie, son Clint, both of Tulsa, and four grandchildren: Taylor Blevins, Emma Elliott, Koen Curry and Corbyn Elliott. Last but not least is her canine best friend Brody, adopted from the Humane Society seven years ago and her constant devoted companion.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 pm Friday, July 24 at Schaudt Funeral Service, 5757 S. Memorial, in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Waynette's memory to Meals on Wheels or the Tulsa Humane Society.