Patricia "Patty" Elaine Means

Patricia “Patty” Elaine (Sherrill) Means

June 2, 1954 – March 24, 2026

Patty Means, age 71, of Cherokee, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. She was born on June 2, 1954, in Blackwell, Oklahoma to Burton and Barbara (Romeo) Sherrill.

Patty graduated from Blackwell High School in 1972. She went on to earn her Associate Degree from Northern Oklahoma College while working at TG&Y. She later continued her career with Conoco in Ponca City, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication in all she pursued.

On November 19, 1977, Patty married Maxie Means of Tonkawa, Oklahoma. The couple began their life together in Weatherford, Oklahoma, before making their home in Cherokee in 1983. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Mandy, Matt, and Mallory, who were the pride and joy of Patty’s life.

Patty was a cherished wife, mother, grandparent, and friend who touched countless lives with her kindness and warmth. Her greatest joy came from being “Nana” to Brenner and Hadley, a role she embraced with endless love and devotion. The care and dedication she showed to her family and friends were truly immeasurable, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Patty was well known for her love of children and her dedication to education. She spent many years serving as the secretary at Cherokee Elementary School before pursuing her passion further by earning her degree in Early Childhood Education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Patty began her teaching career at Hillsdale Christian School, later continuing at Blackwell Elementary School, and ultimately returning to Cherokee Elementary School, where she completed her career. Her commitment to nurturing young minds left a lasting impact on the many students she taught and cared for over the years.

Patty was a devoted member of the Cherokee Methodist Church, where her deep love for the Lord was evident in all she did. She faithfully taught Sunday School for many years, touching the lives of countless children, and played an active role in numerous Vacation Bible School programs. Patty also served as a dedicated High School Youth Group leader, offering guidance, encouragement, and compassion to the young people in her community. Her faith was a constant source of strength and comfort throughout her life, reflecting her unwavering devotion and servant’s heart.

Patty enjoyed musicals and live concerts, and she and Maxie frequently traveled to Oklahoma City and Dallas to enjoy their favorite shows and performers. She was an enthusiastic supporter of sports of all kinds, especially when it came to her family. Whether cheering on her children and grandchildren, the Cherokee Chiefs, or the OU Sooners, Patty could often be found in the stands, proudly supporting those she loved.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents and older brother, Dennis Sherrill.

She is survived by her husband, Maxie of the home; children, Mandy Mitchell and her husband, Michael of Dallas, Texas; Matt Means of Los Angeles, California; Mallory Means of Cherokee, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Brenner Means and Hadley Mitchell; brother, Keith Sherrill and his wife, Janie of Wagoner, Oklahoma and many other loving relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cherokee Methodist Church with burial immediately following at Cherokee Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, April 3, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lanman Funeral Home in Cherokee. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Cherokee. Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc. Website: www.lanmanfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Scleroderma Research Foundation.

The family would like to thank her dedicated care team, Krysten Turnham, Brandt Thompson, Malia Collison, Michael Rowland, Ana Bizzell and Niki Wyatt for their support and kindness.