Mary Ellen Taber passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026. She was born on November 9, 1938, in Wellston, Oklahoma to Edward Clyde and Jewell Bell (Watkins) Leafty.

Mary Ellen lived most of her life in Wellston and Chandler. She raised her kids in Chandler and loved the community. In her younger years she owned a beauty shop. Later, she owned two convenience stores in town. In later years, she built furniture and drove to Canton, Texas for first Monday trade days.

Mary Ellen was never afraid of hard work. She would just roll up her sleeves and dive in. She lived life with passion. If she loved you, you had a loyal friend. If she opposed you, she was formidable. She was a true Bible thumper. Like all, she wasn't free from sin, but she was a true believer of God's word. Like a tree, the roots ran deep. While she was intense, she was so kind and loving. She never met a stranger and truly loved people.

She will be missed.

Mary Ellen is survived by one son, Jimmie Mileham, one daughter, Debbie Perkins, and four grandchildren: Jackie Mileham Haskell, Ryan Mileham, Austin Wright and Houston Perkins. She has four great grandchildren: Ryder Haskell, Hadlee Haskell, Kennedy Wright and Grayson Wright. Mary Ellen has one living sister, Cathy Montgomery. She was proceeded in death by two brothers and one sister. Richard Leafty, Leonard Leafty, and Ida Mae Danker.