Ellen Lavina Wood, lovingly known as “Nana,” passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, at the age of 86 after an extended illness. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, memories, and devoted service to her family, church, and community.

Born in Grandfield, Oklahoma, to Robert and Addie Williams, Ellen grew up in the Blanchard area. From an early age, she developed a love of music, playing piano at church and at funerals, and singing on the radio with her sister, Mary. She graduated as valedictorian of Blanchard High School and later attended Jacksonville College in East Texas.

In 1961, Ellen married Robert “Bob” Wood. Together, they built a home and family in Norman, where she lived for 65 years. Ellen’s life was marked by faith, hospitality, organization, creativity, and a sincere desire to serve others. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and cared for, whether in her home, at church, or in the community.

Ellen was deeply devoted to her family and took great joy in creating meaningful memories. She planned memorable holidays, camping trips, reunions, family meals, and celebrations that brought generations together. Her homemade ice cream, coconut cream pie, cheesecake, Christmas candies, and beautifully decorated tables became treasured family traditions. She gave thoughtful attention to every detail, making ordinary gatherings feel special. Her home was a place of warmth, welcome, and fellowship, where family and friends could always expect a good meal, a listening ear, and a place at the table.

Ellen’s faith was central to her life. She grew up at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Blanchard where she gave her life to Christ as a child. As an adult, she served at Trinity Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Norman as a Sunday School teacher, children’s leader, greeter, usher, volunteer, and mentor. She was also a Sunday School trainer for the Oklahoma Baptist General Convention. Her past three years she faithfully attended Capitol Hill Baptist Church.

She served her community through PTA, Campfire, Extension Homemakers, Friendship International, county fair activities, and countless church events. Her service was steady and wholehearted, often carried out quietly and without seeking recognition. She was especially gifted at encouraging children, welcoming newcomers, organizing volunteers, and helping others feel connected.

Above all, Ellen loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply. She was the grandmother who showed up, encouraged, taught, celebrated, and loved without hesitation. She offered wisdom, support, laughter, and a listening ear, always making her family feel valued and remembered. There was rarely an event that she missed for any member of her family. She took pride in their accomplishments, prayed for them faithfully, and remained present through every season of their lives.

Her family will remember her beautifully decorated home, carefully planned gatherings, faithful church attendance, impeccable style, musical gifts, and the countless ways she cared for others. They will remember her strength, her kindness, her welcoming spirit, and the traditions she created that will continue for generations.

Most of all, they will remember a woman whose life was an extraordinary collection of acts of service, a life devoted to God, family, friendship, and love.

Family

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Addie Williams; her husband, Robert Wood; her siblings, Robert Williams, Doris Wilson, and Mildred MacArthur; and Son-in-law, Douglas Crews

She is survived by daughters, Cecilia Crews and Katrina Young and husband John; sister, Mary Stacy; grandchildren, Dillon Crews, Kaylee Young, Braden Young and wife Angela, Matt Crews and wife Bailee, Dr. Connor Young and Liza Ghanaati-Roth and husband Drew; great-grandchildren Tyler Ghanaati, Andrew Roth, Graecyn Roth, Damon Ghanaati, Bradley Young, Leland Young, and Clementine Crews; and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.