Ellen Grayce Harrington

Ellen Grayce Harrington, 92, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away on April 8, 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, kindness, and dedication.

Funeral services to celebrate Ellen’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Westside Church of Christ in Norman, Oklahoma. Phillip Johnson, Minister of the Westside Church of Christ, will officiate. A burial will follow at Fairview Maguire Cemetery, located east of Noble, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the care of Tribute Memorial Care in Norman.

Ellen was born to Floyd and Zulu "Townley" Patchett on June 20, 1932, in Frederick, Oklahoma. She graduated from Southside High School in Elmer Oklahoma as a proud Red Devil in 1948 before continuing her education at Abilene Christian College in Abilene, Texas. In 1952, Ellen earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. On June 9, 1955, Ellen married Kenneth Harrington in Plainview, Texas, and together they raised a beautiful family. Their first child, Dennese, was born in Plainview. In 1957, the family moved to Oklahoma City where they were blessed with twins, Gary and Kerri. The family later settled in Norman, where their fourth child, Lynda, was born in 1961.

Ellen’s professional journey began after college when she taught Physical Education and coached volleyball at a Junior High School in Abilene. After moving to Oklahoma, Ellen worked for the University of Oklahoma for 29 years as a Survey Research Specialist. Throughout her life, Ellen was a dedicated and active member of her community, contributing her time to various organizations. She served as a Girl Scout Leader, a devoted Sports Mom, and later became involved with the Board of Directors at the Norman Christian Academy.

Upon her retirement in 1988, Ellen embraced a new phase of life filled with adventure and travel. She explored all corners of the United States, visiting places like Alaska, Maine, Key West, and San Diego. Her wanderlust took her even farther, as she toured over 12 countries across Europe.

In 2012, Ellen moved to Silver Elm Estates in Norman, where she found joy in learning new hobbies such as jewelry making and flower crafting. She also enjoyed participating in a bridge club and jigsaw puzzle group. Ellen’s love for animals was evident throughout her life as she regularly visited Second Chance, where she adopted and found homes for many dogs and cats.

Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Zulu Patchett; her daughter, Kerri Kirby; son-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Rosenfelt; and great-grandson, Barron Lehr.

Ellen is survived by her daughter, Dennese Rosenfelt of Lexington, Oklahoma; her son, Gary Harrington and his wife, Karin, of Kollweiler, Germany; her daughter, Lynda (Harrington) Gaither and her husband, Jon, of Arlington, Texas; her sister, Marita Hudson of Shawnee, Oklahoma; and her son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Rick and Janet Kirby of Norman. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Shane Kirby, Amy Rosenfelt, Andy Rosenfelt, Trey Kirby, Ricci McManaman, Morgan Lehr, Jonny Gaither, Finn Friedenberger, Patrick Harrington, Daniel Harrington, Amanda Crail, April Schloemer, and Joshua Hester, as well as 23 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Ellen is also survived by her cat Lovie and dog Susie Q.

Above all, Ellen had a strong faith in God. She was a member of the Westside Church of Christ in Norman and was one of the original founding members in 1958. Ellens love for her church, and church family lasted for 66 years.

Though Ellen is no longer with us, her spirit and the love she shared will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy endures in the memories she created, the lives she touched, and the warmth she radiated to all. Ellen will always be remembered as a bright light, an angel watching over us from heaven.