Ella Chewey

Ella Mae Chewey the daughter of John Goodmoney and Lucy (Nix) Thirsty was born November 9, 1934 in Stilwell, Oklahoma and departed this life on May 12, 2019 in Stilwell, Oklahoma at the age of 84 years, 6 months and 3 days.

Ella Mae loved and lived life. She was no stranger to hard work, from making sandwiches with dear friend, Betty Ledbetter in Wichita, Kansas, playing in the Indian Bowling League to poultry work for Peterson's in Decatur, Arkansas, to retiring as a machinist from Ramsey Winch in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Retirement didn't last long, she moved back to Rocky Mountain to begin her reign and live on her father's original allotment. She was very proud of her Cherokee heritage, embracing her language in speaking, reading, writing and singing. Music was in her veins and with no formal training, she taught herself how to play the piano and guitar. She enjoyed singing and traveling as a member of the Cherokee Choir.

She enjoyed working in her yard and keeping her grass cut. She liked canning and she canned the best Chow Chow. She always looked forward to hitting up thrift stores and second hand shops and finding a good deal. When in Tulsa, Ron's was a must, having her favorite burger with mustard and onion.

Ella Mae touched many lives over the years and left a deep impression on many hearts. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her children Reba Chewey and Kathy Scraper; her siblings Ralph Thirsty, Rachel Starr, Redwing Thirsty, Adam Thirsty, Sally Blackwood, William Thirsty, and Edna Springwater Mitchell; and one great granddaughter Tessa Chewey.

She is survived by a loving family which includes her children Irene Chewey of Stilwell and Mitchell Chewey of Stilwell; 11 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren and one more on the way. Numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives also survive her.

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