Ellen Ross Dortch

Ellen Ross Dortch, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on November 10, 1951, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Edwin Garner and Dorothy Keller. A few years after her birth, her family relocated to Collinsville, Oklahoma, where she would grow up and make a lasting impact on her community.

Visitation will be 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm, Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home. The family will be present from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 am, Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Rejoice Church in Owasso, OK. Interment will follow at the Ridgelawn Cemetery in Collinsville.

Ellen attended Collinsville Public Schools from first through twelfth grade, forming lifelong friendships and developing a love for learning that would shape her future. She went on to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s degree in Education from Northeastern State University, where she cultivated a passion for teaching that would inspire generations of students.

In 1978, Ellen embarked on a remarkable 31-year career at Collinsville Public Schools. She spent 12 years nurturing young minds as a first-grade teacher at Wilson Elementary before transitioning to Collinsville Middle School, where she dedicated 19 years to teaching social studies. Her enthusiasm for education, coupled with her unwavering dedication to her students, earned her the admiration of colleagues, administrators, and, most importantly, the countless young lives she touched. She was known for her warm spirit, her ability to make history come alive, and her deep commitment to seeing her students succeed.

It was during her time at NSU that Ellen met the love of her life, Ed Dortch. They were married on May 19, 1973, at Collinsville Community Church, beginning a beautiful journey of love and partnership that has lasted over 51 years. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Edwin Blake and Chelsea LoWayne, both of whom attended Collinsville schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The family spent many joyous years attending sporting events, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime. In 2009, Ellen experienced the profound joy of reuniting with her eldest daughter, Marybeth, a moment that brought an even deeper sense of completeness to her life.

A devoted woman of faith, Ellen was a pillar of the Collinsville Community Church for over 50 years. She taught Sunday school, served on the church board, and was a guiding light to many within her congregation. In later years, she and Ed became devoted members of Rejoice Church in Owasso, where they continued to grow in faith and fellowship.

After retiring from teaching, Ellen embraced life’s adventures, traveling across the country to spend time with her beloved children and grandchildren in Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. She treasured these moments, filling her days with laughter, storytelling, and the joy of watching her family grow.

In the past year, Ellen faced her greatest challenge with remarkable courage and grace. Diagnosed with stage IV cancer, she fought valiantly, demonstrating the same strength and determination that defined her life. Though she ultimately succumbed to this relentless disease, her spirit remains ever present in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Ellen will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a beacon of love, faith, and inspiration. Her legacy will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

Ellen was survived by her husband of 51 years, Ed Dortch, and her children: Marybeth Lane (Ned Lane) of Jupiter, Florida, Edwin Blake Dortch (Terra Dortch) of Waianae, Hawaii, Chelsea LoWayne Enright (Robert Enright) of Frisco, Texas. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren: Lauren Wicks (Price), Katie Lane, Matthew Lane, Keanu Madderra, Jayne Dortch, Rico Madderra, Elizabeth Vernon, Cody Dortch, Kyle Dortch, ZeeAnna Embry, Isabella Embry, McKenna Enright-Hobbs, Presley Enright, and her two great grandchildren, Sam Wicks, and Milan Scalera.  Ellen was also survived by her sister Sally LoWayne Briggs (Jimmy Briggs), her sister-in-law Bonnie Johnston (Pat Johnston), her brother-in-law Doyle Briggs (Mishael Briggs), and her mother-in-law Mary Lou Briggs.

Services are under the direction of Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home.