Donna Elliott

Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita 918-256-5555 --- Donna Jo Sooter was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on April 17, 1950, was married to Mark R. Elliott on August 7, 1970, and went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 14, 2015 in Omaha, Nebraska. Born to James E. and Sara (Murrell) Sooter she grew up the compliant middle child. Her early childhood was spent in Bluejacket, Oklahoma and moved with her family to Vinita, Oklahoma at the beginning of third grade. Donna graduated as valedictorian of Vinita High School in 1968 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Math Education from Oklahoma State University in 1972. She taught one year at Ketchum High School in Oklahoma before choosing to be a full-time wife and mother. She is the proud mother of four children: Brian Daniel Elliott who preceded her in death, Sharon Michele Dennis who lives in Morrison, Oklahoma, Emily Jo Elliott who lives in Manhattan, Kansas, and James Patrick Elliott who lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Also surviving are three grand-children: Morgan Nicole Dennis, Seth Elliott Dennis, and Shad Brian Dennis. Also surviving are brother Jimmie Sooter of Vinita, Oklahoma and sister Roxie Sooter Lawson of Welch, Oklahoma. She was also preceded in death by her parents James and Sara Sooter and twins Ray and Sandra Sooter. Donna was an active member of First Baptist Church of Vinita where she served in the pre-school area and played the piano and organ (1973-1985). When the family moved to Fort Worth she was an active member of Gambrell Street Baptist Church and served in the preschool and children's ministry (1985-1988). Later she served as pianist as well as children's and pre-school director at First Southern Baptist Church of Fort Dodge, Iowa (1988-1993). Then she served as a pre-school teacher and pianist at Southern Hills Baptist Church in Sioux City, Iowa (1993-2001). After Mark and Donna moved to Nebraska in 2001 she served in the pre-school area at LifeSpring Church of Bellevue, Nebraska. Donna is also remembered as a lady with a green thumb with her house filled with beautiful plants. In addition she will be remembered for keeping the spirit and the tradition of sending Christmas cards and an annual Christmas letter. A memorial service was held at LifeSpring Church in Bellevue, Nebraska on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dr. Steve Holdaway and long-time friend Rev. Dr. Leo Endel of Rochester, Minnesota officiating. The funeral will be held at First Baptist Church of Vinita, Oklahoma on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Vinita, Oklahoma. Rev. Ron Hunt of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Rev. Henry (Skip) McCLain of Vinita will officiate. Arrangements by Brian P. Harvey Funeral Home of Plattsmouth, Nebraska and Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers the family is asking memorial to ENBA in memory of Donna Elliott to help pastor's with health care coverage.

Visitation Details

Thursday, September 17th, 2015 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita

Service Details

Friday, September 18th, 2015 10:00am, First Baptist Church of Vinita

Interment Details

Fairview Cemetery - Vinita