Darlene L’Roy Marlow, 91

Darlene L’Roy Marlow passed from our world on April 3, 2025, in Oklahoma City. She was 91. While all those who knew and loved her mourn her departure, those in heaven rejoice her coming home.

Darlene was born October 23, 1933, to George and Mollie L’Roy in Durant, Oklahoma, where she lived until 1946, when her family relocated to Lawton. She married Luther Harrison Marlow on April 16, 1949—a beautiful marriage and partnership that lasted for 60 years until his passing. To this union, four children were born: Michael Harrison Marlow; Molly Terronez of Hurst, Texas; Mary Rice of Edmond, Oklahoma; and Melissa Farelli of Lawton, Oklahoma.

Darlene was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, and her unwavering faith was a source of inspiration to her family and countless friends. She believed not only in God, but in the goodness of mankind, always finding the best in people and guiding many to Christ through her example.

She possessed many talents and creative interests. A voracious reader, she often read a book a day. In the 1970s, she began reading alphabetically through authors at the Lawton Public Library. Her love of reading sparked a gift for writing—she penned poetry, short stories, inspirational lessons, two books, and a weekly column for the Walters Herald. Her work appeared in Christian Woman, Women’s World, and other magazines. She also taught and lectured extensively on women of the Bible. Genealogy became a shared passion for Darlene and Luther, stemming from her love of history.

An accomplished artist, Darlene specialized in landscape and still-life oil paintings. She was a talented seamstress and an excellent cook, though she preferred hosting and spending time with guests rather than being in the kitchen.

Always ahead of her time, Darlene maintained a career in the 1960s when it was uncommon for wives and mothers to work outside the home. She worked as a bookkeeper at Sears and Roebuck, Katy K Meat Packing, and Ralston’s Furniture. Later, she became a Realtor for Finley’s Realty, retiring in the late 1970s to care for her parents. She was admired and respected by her co-workers throughout her professional life.

In 1996, Darlene and Luther moved to Walters, Oklahoma, where she became active in the community, her church, and ran an antique shop. They later relocated to Edmond in 2006, where she lived until her passing. She was a member of the Wilshire Church of Christ.

Above all, Darlene was devoted to her family. She was a blessing to her children and nine grandchildren: David Terronez, Clay Terronez, Andrew Rice, Peter Rice, Rachel (Rice) Snider, Elizabeth (Rice) Goodpasture, Leah Rice, Kara (Oest) Smith, and Kevin Oest. She also had 20 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews with whom she shared special bonds.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Luther Harrison Marlow; son, Michael Harrison Marlow; her parents; and eight siblings: Lavester L’Roy, Lenoir L’Roy Kelley, Elmer L’Roy, Bedford L’Roy, Marcella L’Roy, Orvis L’Roy, and Georgia May L’Roy.

Funeral services were held April 11, 2025, at Wilshire Church of Christ under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors. She was laid to rest at Highland Cemetery in Lawton.