Darlene J West

Darlene J. West, age 71, of Grove, Oklahoma, passed into the arms of Jesus on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, following a sudden illness. Born on August 17, 1953, in Tulsa to Chester and Mable (Hunt) Griffith, Darlene graduated from Sperry High School in the Class of 1971. She went on to earn an associate of arts degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. It was during her time at NEO that she met Kelly West on a blind date, an encounter that blossomed into a lifelong love. They were married on June 14, 1974, in Grove, soon moving to the Tulsa area where they lived and worked for the next several years. After Kelly retired, the couple could be seen walking together on Berry Rd, every morning and evening. They enjoyed 48 wonderful years together. In 1982, Darlene and Kelly returned to Grove with their two sons to build their forever home. Over the years, Darlene held various positions including office manager for a satellite company, tax preparer, and substitute teacher. However, her greatest joy and calling was her family. Darlene was a devoted wife. From Kelly’s retirement up unto his death in 2022, the couple could be seen walking together on Berry Road every morning and evening. They enjoyed gardening, going to gospel concerts, and generally being together for 48 wonderful years together. Darlene also centered her life around her sons, Josh and Jeremy, and their families. She spent many hours rocking, chasing, cooking chicken noodle soup for, reading to, playing with (hide-and-seek, building Lincoln log villages, coloring and puzzling just to name just a few), and tenderly caring for her grandchildren. Her boys and grandchildren were her delight. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, gentle spirit, kindness, and thoughtfulness patience. A true homemaker at heart, Darlene found joy in cooking and canning, sewing and quilting, reading, and watching bluebirds. She was always up for a good game of Scrabble. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life as a dedicated member of Cornerstone Church in Grove. Though Kelly’s passing left a deep void in her heart, there is comfort in knowing that Darlene is now reunited with him. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Darlene was also preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers 2 sisters. Left to cherish her memory, sons, Josh West (Elizabeth), Jeremy West (Kelly Nicole), 8 grandchildren, Ethan, Walker, Katie, Aubrey, Wayland, Alice, Hope and Hettie, all of Grove; brothers, Don Griffith of Skiatook, Ok and Billy Griffith (Debbie) of Ramona, OK, sister, Doris Jones (Frank) of Sperry, OK and many loving nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 5-7pm Thursday, April 24, at Nichols-Stephens Funeral Service. Funeral services will be held at 3pm Friday, April 25, 2025, at Grove’s First Baptist Church. Donations may be made to Living Water Christian Academy, 488 Industrial Road A, Grove, OK 74344, in Darlene’s memory. Arrangements entrusted to Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services.

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Darlene J West

August 17, 1953 - April 20, 2025