To begin, Darlene cared more for others than she did for herself. Meaning, Mom would do whatever it took to help anyone in need if they asked, no matter the obstacle; large or small, financial or emotional. Darlene Estes was the mother and friend that would never turn her back on you.
As a mother to 3 very stubborn boys and a wife to a truly strong-willed man, it was a wonder she ever made it to 30 let alone 75 years old! Mom was compassionate yet stern, strong-minded yet tender inside and out. Darlene Estes leaves behind three sons, Joe Estes and wife Michelle , Kenny Estes II and wife Shamaria , and Brian Estes; brother, Billy Burks and wife Mary; nine grandchildren, Shawnessey Ware, Chandler Estes, Abby Estes, Shianne Borror & husband Patrick Borror, Charlie Walker, Tyler, Traye, Tiana, & Tiara Estes, and two great-grandchildren, Lliam Gray Borror and Laney Ware. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and beloved husband, Ken Estes.
Darlene retired from a full career of 32 years with the Edmond Public School System as one of its cafeteria managers. From there, she enjoyed the next few years touring the United States to see all the wonders and beauty this place has to offer. She saw everything from the smallest grains of sand on the California beaches, to the miraculous depths of the Grand Canyon, all the way to the bone chilling waters of Niagara Falls on the Maid of the Mist in Buffalo, New York. With each new destination, she would pocket another memory she could carry with her into eternity.
Darlene loved the occasional card game or dominoes with family and friends. She also enjoyed sitting on her deck listening to the squirrels and birds in the morning while drinking her coffee. To say that Darlene lived an active and full life would be an understatement. Darlene lived a life filled with memories of shared joy and excitement with others. She was one to always be the first to say hello. Darlene never met a stranger. If asked to sum up in one word the woman, mother, wife, family member, and friend Darlene Estes was to those who knew her it would have to be EXUBERANT but that's hard to spell, so let's just call her MOM.
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