Our Staff

Chris Whinery, FDIC

Owner, Funeral Director, Embalmer

Chris Whinery, son of Brad and Glenda Whinery, and a 3rd generation funeral director and embalmer spent his childhood years in Sayre, Oklahoma. 

Chris grew up in and around the funeral industry watching his grandfather and father serve and care for the people of Western Oklahoma. Throughout his junior high and high school years, he worked for his father maintaining the funeral home lawns and flowerbeds during the summers, setting up cemetery tents, and anything else that needed to be done. Chris moved with his family to Elk City in 1996 and was active in football, basketball, baseball and track. He was also a member of the 1998 football team to bring the first ever Class 4-A State Championship gold ball to Elk City.   

Following his graduation in 1999, Chris furthered his education at the University of Central Oklahoma on a football scholarship where he later obtained his bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science and a minor in Business Administration in 2004. He returned to Western Oklahoma to work with his family and carry on the family tradition of caring and serving the people he grew up around in Western Oklahoma. During his career, Chris served as the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association (OFDA) Chairman of District 4 and is a past Board member of the Elk City Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout his life, Chris has been blessed with two sons: Kyron and Keaton, and most recently with a daughter-in-law, Emily. He has enjoyed watching his son’s grow up into fine young men, start families of their own, and chase their dreams. Chris also enjoys being an instrument rated pilot, hunting, fishing, and being a member of the Church of Christ.  

Scott Ferrell

Funeral Director, Embalmer

Scott Ferrell was born and raised in Elk City and has been serving families as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 2014.

He joined Whinery Funeral Service & Cremation Center in 2024 and feels blessed to walk alongside families during life's hardest moments, serving them with compassion, respect, and genuine care. 

Scott attends the Church of Christ and enjoys sharing life with his wife, Carrie.

Carissa Trollinger

Funeral Director, Embalmer

Carissa grew up in Elk City, Oklahoma and began her funeral service career at Whinery’s in 2007, training under Chris Whinery. 

After graduating from Elk City High School in 2008, she continued her funeral service education at Amarillo College and later received her Bachelor of Science in Funeral Service with a minor in Grief, Death, and Dying from the University of Central Oklahoma. She returned to Whinery Funeral Service as a Funeral Director in 2026.

 Carissa has enjoyed spending time volunteering with local costuming clubs to raise money for children’s charities since 2013 and maintains a closet of close to 40 different costumes. In her free time Carissa can be found with her pets, spending time with her family, or working on a sewing or crochet project. 

Tara Shockley

Office Manager, Funeral Assistant

Tara was born and raised in western Oklahoma and has a sense of small-town gratitude paired with a compassionate drive to support others during life's most challenging moments. Tara believes that "building a business from the ground up teaches you that true success comes from strong teamwork, adaptability, and a genuine heart for helping others." She has been a part of the team since  the business was founded in 2020. Recognized for her stubborn determination, Tara has a strong work ethic that ensures completion, all while maintaining organization in our fast-paced environment. Her reassuring presence offers comfort to grieving families. 

Outside of work, Tara’s greatest joy is spending time with her family and keeping up their Sunday Family Day tradition of dinner and a movie. She has a passion for photography, has a self-admitted small shopping addiction, and finds joy escaping to the beach or curled up with a good book.

Carrie Ferrell

Funeral Assistant

Originally from Kansas City, Carrie moved to Western Oklahoma after meeting her husband, Scott. 

In 2025, after 25 years as a stay-at-home mom, Carrie began her career at Whinery Funeral Service & Cremation Center working as a funeral assistant. It has been a blessing to her being able to help and support grieving families and build meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime. 

When Carrie is not at work she is spending time with their special needs son, Reece.

Cindy Perry

Secretary

Growing up in Sweetwater, Oklahoma and living in Western Oklahoma all of Cindy’s life, she built deep, meaningful connections with the people who call this area home. 

Cindy’s journey in the funeral service industry began in 2008 as a part-time employee for Brad and Glenda Whinery. She quickly discovered a true sense of compassion and empathy for grieving families during visitations. This calling led her to accept a full-time position with Whinery Funeral Service & Cremation Center as a receptionist for a dedicated, third-generation local funeral home. 

Today, Cindy brings a deeply compassionate approach to her work every day. She is dedicated to providing comfort, guidance, and a warm, welcoming presence to her neighbors and friends during their most difficult times.

Denise Eitenmiller

Insurance Claims/Funeral Assistant

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Denise Eitenmiller brings dedication and heart to the team at Whinery Funeral Service & Cremation Center. She attributes her knowledge of the funeral industry to the "school of Tara Shockley and Chris Whinery." 

Denise handles all insurance claims, making the insurance process effortless for grieving families. Her favorite part of the job is serving families in their time of need and working alongside her work family.

An active member of Prairie View Baptist Church in Elk City, Denise runs a card ministry, crafting homemade greeting cards for her church family and local assisted living residents. She enjoys resting, playing on her iPad, and dining at Poppy’s Restaurant in Elk City with her husband, Russ.

Russ Eitenmiller

Funeral Assistant

Born and raised in Pekin, Illinois, Russ serves as a Funeral Assistant at Whinery Funeral Service & Cremation Center, helping with facility maintenance, vehicles, and transportation. His favorite part of the job is serving and caring for families in the community.

Russ is a member of Prairie View Baptist Church in Elk City. In his spare time, he enjoys flower gardening, lawn care, and going to Poppy's to eat. Above all, he loves spending his weekends with his wife, Denise.

Dana Gifford

Visitation Attendant

Raised in West Texas, Dana learned early on the values of warm hospitality and community care. Dana has a deep passion for serving those who have lost loved ones. She brings a compassionate presence to every family who walks through our doors. As a Visitation Attendant, she works to ensure guests feel welcomed and supported during difficult moments.

Outside of the funeral home, Dana loves going on scenic road trips with her husband, spending time with her daughter, son-in-law, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and crafting handmade greeting cards. She considers it a true calling to serve local families with grace, empathy, and respect.

Kelley Jones

Visitation Attendant/Funeral Assistant

Born and raised in Elk City, Kelley joined our team and the funeral service industry in 2023. Her path to funeral service was inspired by witnessing firsthand how compassionate care helped her during a time of need, she felt called to return that same comfort and support to others.

Kelley treasures quality time with her family, whether she’s hosting family get-togethers or cooking delicious meals for everyone to enjoy. In her free time, she appreciates watching the occasional movie, exploring unique art attractions, and dining at Olive Garden. Kelley takes pride in serving her hometown, bringing her charisma, colorful spirit, and culture to the families we care for every day.