Elaine Sweatte

Ruth Elaine Sweatte, age 91, of Norman, passed away suddenly on April 13, 2025, in Oklahoma City.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Tribute Memorial Care Event Center in Norman, with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Tribute Memorial Care of Norman.

Elaine was born on November 28, 1933, in Bruno, Arkansas, to James Hugh and Margaret (Moores) Wilson. During her sophomore year of high school, her family moved to Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where she later graduated. After High School, she attended the University of Oklahoma where she earned her nursing degree and became a Registered Nurse. While at OU, Elaine met the love of her life Juel Sweatte.

On July 9, 1954, Elaine and Juel married, and together they built a legacy in Norman—in 1957, founding Glenn’s Drive-In, which later became a Sonic Drive-In. For 28 years, it served the community under their care, and today the beloved landmark continues as Classic 50’s Drive-In, a tribute to their entrepreneurial spirit and lasting impact on the community.

Elaine was a woman of quiet strength, deep love for her family, and unwavering dedication to the people around her. Her life was full of meaningful relationships, hard work, and memories that will live on for generations.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Juel, her parents, and two brothers.

Elaine is survived by her three children: Kelly Sweatte, Tim Sweatte, and Leslie Seal; her grandchildren: Jeri Sieber, T.J. Sieber, Jenny Czinder, Jonathan Czinder, Christopher Sweatte, and Alyssa Sweatte; and her great-grandchildren Tali, Koe, Ezra, Cove and Link. She also leaves behind her sisters, Jimmie Ludwick and Jessie Sue Murphree; one brother, Kelly Wilson and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Elaine’s legacy of love, hard work, and family will continue to inspire all who knew her.