Arney S Ellerbee

Arney Sam Ellerbee, 84, of Harrah, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on February 24, 2026, surrounded by his family and love. He lived a life defined by curiosity, courage, hard work, and an enduring devotion to those he loved most.

Arney was born on January 19, 1942, in Amarillo, Texas, to Samuel and Lahoma (Roberts) Ellerbee. His early years were spent moving wherever his father’s work took the family, eventually settled in Oklahoma City before making Harrah their home in 1957. It was there that he met a young woman named Judi Weller, who would become the love of his life. The two were married on March 24, 1962, in Edmond, beginning a partnership that would span 63 years 11 months.

An explorer at heart, Arney never stopped chasing the next adventure. In his younger years, that spirit carried him to California and Alaska, where he tried his hand at gold prospecting—drawn as much to the challenge as to the stories that came with it. A hunter, adventurer, and lifelong tinkerer, he even built his own metal detector and was always hopeful the next find would be gold.

Arney had a natural gift for building and fixing things. He attended drafting school and went on to work for Pitney Bowes, DeLongs, General Motors, and later as a construction supervisor for various companies. Over the years, he worked on countless homes and commercial projects, including the chapel at Asa Smith Funeral Service. After retirement, Arney and Judi started a vending company and continued working well into their 70’s.

His creativity and craftsmanship extended into his personal passions. Arney rebuilt a 1967 Mustang Fastback, a VW dune buggy, a 1940 Ford Coupe, and started to restore by hand a 1941 mahogany Chris-Craft—projects that reflected both his skill and his joy in bringing things back to life.

Arney was also a teacher in the truest sense of the word. If you needed to know how to fix something, he could explain it—or simply fix it for you. Through example, he passed down knowledge, resilience, self-reliance, hard work and a deep respect for nature. His wisdom was quiet but steady, shaped by experience and grit.

Above all else, Arney cherished his family. He loved his girls—his wife Judi and daughters Cindy and Missy—fiercely and faithfully. He was a devoted husband, a steady and loving father, a proud grandfather, and a joyful great-grandfather. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, always ready with a quick wit and an easy laugh.

Arney was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by the love of his life, Judi Ellerbee, married 63 years 11 months of the home; daughters Cindy Ellerbee of Harrah, and Missy and husband Don Richardson of Claremore; brother Dewayne and wife Souan Ellerbee of Washington; grandchildren Jarod Huggins Samantha and husband Jacob Barnes, Major Matthew Richardson, Aviator and Brigade Operations Officer, Oklahoma Army National Guard, and wife Erin Richardson, Megen and husband A.J. Rhine, and Mikala Richardson; and great-grandchildren Aidan Huggins, Riley Barnes, Waylon Barnes, Wylder Barnes, Max Richardson, Kate Richardson, Jack Rhine, and Baker Rhine.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, at Asa Smith Memorial Chapel in Harrah. Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery. Cremation has been effected.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Service of Harrah. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net