Ella Mae Swanson Broyles lost her decade-long battle with Alzheimer's on July 13, 2021, at the age of 83.

She was born to E.W. and Helen Swanson on August 22, 1937, in Crescent, Oklahoma. Ella Mae married her high school sweetheart Bobby Lee Broyles on March 31, 1961. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.

Ella Mae graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Home Economics and initially worked as a home service consultant for Oklahoma Gas & Electric before beginning a career as a teacher. She was a member of the First Christian Church and at one time served as a church pianist.

Ella Mae was known for her baking skills and always treated her family and friends with a specially decorated birthday cake. She was an avid gardener and seamstress. She and Bob enjoyed playing cards and traveling with friends. She was happiest when surrounded by her family and friends and had a gift for making everyone she met feel special.

Ella Mae was preceded in death by her parents E.W. and Helen Swanson of Crescent, Oklahoma, and brother Edward Swanson of Kentwood, Michigan.

She is survived by her husband Bob Broyles of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter Sandra and spouse David Berg of Atlanta, Georgia; granddaughter Dakota and spouse Jordan Simmons and three great-grandchildren Harper, Xander, and Hendrix all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandson Skylar Little and fiance Kara Doctor of Tulsa, Oklahoma; brother Richard Swanson and wife Marilyn of Cushing, Oklahoma; sister-in-law Sandy Swanson of Kentwood, Michigan; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

While Ella Mae will be dearly missed by all who knew her, we are comforted knowing that she is at peace and remembers all of us again. Donations may be made in her honor to the Alzheimer's Association.