Elsa May Hallford, 74, of Tulsa died at home on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. She was born April 27, 1949, in Mexia, TX to Buddy Weldon Owens and Lois Evelyn Chandler Owens.

Elsa was a bright girl and a diligent student, and she excelled at her studies. She graduated from Polytechnic High School in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1967. She and Nathan Jay Hallford married on December 26, 1970. They welcomed daughter, Tracy, in 1971 and son, Jay J, in 1974. Son, Lee Owen, was born a few years later in 1983.

Elsa worked in the home as a wife and mother until she began her career with Tulsa Public Schools. While at TPS she received promotion after promotion, eventually becoming the Director of Training for Child Nutrition for the entire school district. Throughout her career Elsa earned many awards and accolades including Manager of the Year twice in 1999 and 2001.

Elsa's greatest joy always came from her family. Throughout her life she was a shining example of kindness and generosity. Elsa's best qualities were her sharp mind and quick sense of humor which always kept a spark of mischief in her eyes. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband Jay; daughter, Tracy (Chris) Smith; sons, J. J. (Amy) Hallford and Lee Owen Hallford; grandchildren, Brittany Cryder, Jasper Smith, Dalton Keeling, Haley Keeling; great-grandson, Radley Cryder.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM on Monday, Sept. 18th at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st St., Tulsa, Oklahoma.

For additional information, call 918-663-2233.