Laura Ellis McCoy (affectionately known as Lala, WaWa, and Sis) passed away on November 13, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 65, after a courageous battle with ENKTC lymphoma. Born on January 5, 1960, in Tulsa to Emmett Nathaniel "Bud" Ellis III and Barbara Sherrow Ellis, Laura grew up surrounded by family, faith, and love. On April 24, 1987, she married her high school sweetheart, John McCoy, and together they built a life defined by devotion, partnership, and steadfast support for one another.

Laura graduated from Mason High School in 1978 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma in 1982. She was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Pledge Class of '79, forming friendships that enriched her life for decades.

Her professional journey began at MM Cohn, followed by her role as a buyer for Sanger Harris-later Foley's-before transitioning to a catering sales associate position with Mexicali Border Cafe. Laura ultimately found her true calling in advocacy work when she co-founded The Woodland Group with her husband, serving families through legal guardianship support with compassion and integrity.

Deeply devoted to her community, Laura served in parent organizations at Monte Cassino, Bishop Kelley, and Cascia Hall, and was an active member of the Junior League of Tulsa. She brought her creativity and determination to civic engagement as campaign manager and publicity manager for local elections for Tulsa County Sheriff and Tulsa City Council. Within the Republican Women's Club of Tulsa, she held numerous leadership roles-Electronic Communications Chair, Vice President, Interim President, and Vice President-and was honored this year as the club's Woman of the Year.

A citizen of the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Laura also served on the NAGPRA committee, reflecting her dedication to cultural stewardship and honoring Native communities.

Laura's life was defined by her extraordinary capacity to love. She had the biggest heart-full of passion, humor, generosity, and devotion to others. Her laughter was contagious, her friendships enduring, and her warmth unmistakable. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, valued, and cared for.

SURVIVORS

Spouse: John McCoy (Tulsa, OK)

Parents: Bud and Barbara Ellis (Tulsa, OK)

Children:
John B. McCoy and wife Keely-Shaye McCoy (Glenpool, OK)
Cassie McCoy, DO (Rochester, MN) and fiance William Legourd

Grandchild: Oliver McCoy

Siblings:
Bud Ellis and wife Pat Ellis (Dobbs Ferry, NY)
Cyndy Purgason and husband Bob Purgason (Tulsa, OK)

Nieces:
Meredith Lewis (Sugar Land, TX)
Liz Ellis, PhD (Princeton, NJ)
Maddy Kennedy (Bristow, OK)
Mackenzie McCoy (Tulsa, OK)
Mercedes McCoy (Fayetteville, AR)

Nephew:
Ethan Ellis (New York City, NY)

Great-nieces:
Mara Lewis
London Kennedy
Isla Lewis
Great-nephews:
Gunnar Kennedy
Colter Kennedy

She also leaves behind many more cherished family members and friends whose lives were deeply touched by her love.

SERVICE DETAILS
Funeral Service
Saturday, November 29, 2025
1:00 p.m.
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Please wear purple.

Celebration of Life
Saturday, November 29, 2025
6:00 p.m.
The Ritchie Ranch
Please wear purple.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to:
Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Tulsa Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Sunny's Helping Paws

"Her laughter, love, and light will live on in all of us.