Ellie Rinehart

Ellie Izora Rineheart was born on February 15, 1951, in La Porte, Indiana, to Floyd Strong and Nora Strong. She was a proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was also known by “Izora,” and some even called her “The Donut Lady.”

She departed this life on earth into her heavenly home on August 1, 2023, in Stilwell, Oklahoma, at 72 years of age. It would be wrong to say that Izora lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. When many others would have broken, Izora stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. There was no quit in Izora. The fact that she is no longer here does not mean she lost her fight. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd Strong and Nora Strong; her sisters, Geraldine White, Delores Jean Kelly, and Goldie Marie Strong; and a niece, Lutrisha Jean Ivey.

She is survived by a loving and devoted family that includes her daughter: JoAnn Michelle Willis and son-in-law Billy Joe Willis; grandson, Jeremy Skyler Enneking and wife Kristin Breanne Enneking; granddaughter, Mackenzie Deshae Brunk, and great-granddaughter Kambria Breanne Enneking, all of Stilwell, Oklahoma; Two Brothers: Raymond Strong, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, and Leslie Strong and wife Joyce, of Roland, Oklahoma, as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and beloved friends.

Izora moved from Indiana to Stilwell, Oklahoma at a very young age. She graduated from Stilwell High School in 1968, and faithfully served the town of Stilwell for 32 years of her life as owner and operator of Izora’s Daylight Donuts, more affectionately known to the residents of Stilwell as “The Donut Shop.” Despite how busy she was, she always made time for everyone. She loved roses, watching the hummingbirds in her backyard, gardening, and spending time with her family. She was known by many, and adored by those who knew her.