Delores Ann Utley

Delores Ann Utley Delores Ann Utley, 92, beloved wife, mother, "Gran," and friend, peacefully passed away on May 31, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at her Tishomingo, Oklahoma home. Born on December 15, 1931, in Oilton, Oklahoma, Delores was the second child of Floyd and Tealie Smith Lewis. Her childhood in Oilton was filled with fond memories of carefree days in Roosevelt Grade School's yard and piano lessons from 1943 to 1948. Throughout high school, she actively engaged in extracurricular activities, including membership in the Pep Club, Yearbook Staff, and participation in Junior and Senior Plays. After graduating from Oilton High School in 1950, Delores pursued higher education at Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma. In the spring of 1952, she met the love of her life, Gerald D. Utley, whom she married on December 25, 1952. Delores graduated from Central State College with a B.S. in Education in 1953. Delores and Gerald were blessed with three children: Keith (1954), Terri (1956), and Gary (1959). In 1960, they settled in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, where they built their home and deepened their community roots. Delores began teaching in 1964, initially instructing music and reading before finding her passion in third-grade education. For 23 years, she dedicated herself to the Tishomingo School System, retiring in 1988. Delores was not only dedicated to her family and teaching but was also a passionate volunteer. She generously gave her time to Mercy Hospital and Our Neighbors Cupboard Food Bank and tutored children after school at the Methodist Church. As a member of MAD Ministries, she oversaw the prayer ministry and found great joy in supporting the House of Hope Shelter. Delores was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 63 years, Gerald, her parents, Floyd and Tealie Smith Lewis, and her brother, Jimmy Lewis. She is survived by her three children: Keith Utley and his wife, Mary of Tishomingo; Terri Dupree and her husband, Terry of Tishomingo; and Gary Utley and his wife, Juliana of Stillwater. Additionally, she leaves behind nine grandchildren: Brian Utley and his wife Jamie; Katie High and her husband Lance; Erin Condor and her husband Chase; Amy Caskey and her husband Jeff; Cheri Morse and her husband Philip; Tanner Dupree and his wife Emily; Tori Dupree; Jason Utley; and Kristina Higgins and her husband Ty; and 32 great-grandchildren. Delores is also survived by her sister-in-law, Nita Kay Cadenhead of Oklahoma City, and many friends. Delores was deeply committed to her family and friends and faced life’s challenges with grace and resilience. Her fiercely independent spirit, quick wit, sense of adventure, and love for teaching have left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the DeArman-Clark Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Calera on Monday, June 10, 2024. The graveside service will be for family only. Arrangements were under the direction and care of DeArman-Clark Funeral Home in Tishomingo.

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Delores Ann Utley

December 15, 1931 - May 31, 2024