Dr. D. Layne Ehlers

Professor D. Layne Ehlers, Ph.D. (full name: Deborah Layne Plessel Ehlers) passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2020 in Oklahoma City. She was 69. Dr. Ehlers was born on December 29, 1950 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Janet and Joseph Plessel. She graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1973 with a BA in Theatre, earned her MA in Theatre from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) in 1987, and earned her Doctorate in Theatre History from UNL in 1996. Her pursuit of her Master's degree took her to all parts of Nebraska, to visit and study opera houses, which resulted in more than 20 of them being added to the National Historic Register; while her research for her doctoral dissertation led to her going to several cities on both coasts, along with ones in between. After she received her Ph.D., she taught at both Bethany College in Bethany, W.V. (1997-2001) and at Bacone College in Muskogee, OK (2001-2019). At Bethany, she was an Assistant Professor of Theatre, while at Bacone, she achieved the rank of full Professor. Dr. Ehlers demonstrated a passion for theatre starting while she was in college, when she acted in several plays during her undergrad years at Wesleyan, and with Brownville Village Theatre during the summers. She continued acting while at UNL, though she also started directing at that time. She continued the latter after finishing her doctoral degree, as she directed plays at Bethany and Bacone, as well as at the Muskogee (OK) Little Theatre. She was also passionate about teaching; in addition to her college-level positions, she did student teaching at UNL, and taught Sunday school for several years. She was active for several years as a Cub Scout leader, organized two Theatre Camps for youth at the Univ. Of Nebraska and organized several Vacation Bible School sessions in Lincoln at Calvary United Methodist Church. Layne married Christian Harley Ehlers on April 7, 1973 (after meeting him in 1972), and enjoyed over 48 years together with her best friend and soulmate. Their union produced four sons -- Jeffrey, Matthew, Brian, and Zachary -- all of whom graduated from college. She was also a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, and most recently worshiped at First United Methodist Church in Muskogee. Layne loved traveling. In addition to her travels while working on her Master's and Doctorate degrees, she visited many other parts of the United States, plus Canada and Tanzania. Her favorite place, though, was Disney World in Orlando. She was a lifelong reader, and tried to read for a few minutes each day, no matter how busy she was. As well, she enjoyed watching movies, along with live theatre in Tulsa, plus she was a fan of several different TV series. Too, she loved learning, and always tried to learn something new each day. Dr. Ehlers modeled grit and persistence throughout her life, as she kept going, no matter what happened, and no matter what setbacks she faced. And, above all, she never gave up -- not even at the end. Layne is survived by her mother, Janet Lesoing, her Aunt, Micki Metzger, her step-mother, Elaine Plessel, her husband, Chris, her four sons, Jeff, Matt, Brian and his wife, (LaFonda), Zack, and her granddaughters, Carmen Ehlers and Carly Gregory, her brother, Russ Plessel and family, her sisters, Tammy Masten and her daughter, Becky Cibuzar and family, Missy Rea and family, Cindy Rung and family, Deb Jiskra and family, Dan Lesoing and family, and many cherished cousins, and also her beloved dog and cats, and all the students whom she was able to introduce to the performing arts, and who learned more about both creativity and critical thinking from her. She was preceded in death by her father, Bud Plessel, her step-father, Julius Lesoing Jr., her step-brother, Terry Lesoing and her brother-in-law, Joe Masten. She went by many names throughout her life, Deb, Debbie, Polly, Layne, "Doc" (to her students), Mom, Granny and Bear or Bearsie. She touched many, many lives and left her fingerprints everywhere she went. The Salvation Army and Planned Parenthood were dear to Dr. Ehler's heart. If you'd like in lieu of flowers please donate to these wonderful organizations in her name. The memorial service will be live streamed via a link that will be available just prior to the service on D. Layne Ehlers tribute wall.

Dr. D. Layne Ehlers

December 29, 1950 - August 30, 2020