Darla Jean Dalke Shadid
Darla Jean Dalke Shadid was born on May 27, 1963 at Lemoore Naval Air Station in California to Marjorie Jean Palmer-Dalke and George Dean Dalke. She was the youngest of three children. Darla, along with her mom, dad, sister Betty Jo, and brother Earl lived in Hanford, Calif., during Darla’s early childhood. Darla’s father, George, served in the United States Navy until his retirement and was then employed by the 3M Company in Weatherford, Okla. Darla’s mother, Marge, was employed in the restaurant business and later managed a restaurant and cabins in South Fork, Colo.
Darla grew up in California, Colorado and Oklahoma. She spent her teenage years in South Fork, Colo., until her mother’s death in 1980. She attended Del Norte High School. On Jan. 29, 1982, her son Sean Christopher Shadid was born in Weatherford. On Feb. 22, 1984, her son Grant Aaron Holloway was born in Woodward, Okla. Darla managed Braums in Okmulgee, Okla., for many years while raising her sons who attended Beggs Public Schools. At the time of her death, Darla had settled in her own home in Claremore, Okla., with her beloved puppies Pammie and Joey. Darla Jean Dalke Shadid passed away at her home in Claremore on Aug. 20, 2021.
Darla loved Mustang cars, owning a collection throughout her life including a 1965 Fastback, a 1979 Pace Car, and the bright blue 2019 she drove at the time of her death. Darla was a huge Disney fan. Her car, her house, and her clothing were all adorned with Mickey Mouse. Darla loved her puppies. From the time she was little, she built lasting relationships with her dogs. Jimmy, whose ashes will be spread with hers in Colorado, meant so much to Darla. Darla loved her friends. She reconnected with many during the past few years through social media. Darla loved her family. She was very close to her mother, Marge. She grieved the loss of her mother, who died when Darla was only 17, for the rest of her life. Over the past few weeks, Darla and her sister Betty Jo were able to catch up on each other’s lives. Darla and her brother Earl were best friends throughout her life, helping each other navigate life’s ups and downs. Earl isn’t much of a “hugger,” but he will always treasure the hug Darla gave him as he left her home two days before her death. Darla loved her sons and grandchildren. The special bond she shared with Grant remained unbroken through trial and tribulation. She loved Sean deeply and was so proud of the man and father he has become. Sean filled his mom’s heart with joy when he recently told her that he was a good father because of the way she had raised him.
Darla was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. She is survived by her son, Grant Holloway of Russellville, Ark.; her son, Sean Shadid of Tulsa, Okla.; daughter-in-law, Heidi Shadid; grandchildren: Tristan Shadid, Ryleigh Shadid, Stevan Holloway, Starla Holloway, Airon Holloway, Brantley Holloway and Skyla Holloway; sister, Betty Jo Jones of Wagoner, Okla., brother, Earl Dalke of Hugo, Okla.; and sister-in-law, Rena Dalke; as well other family and friends.
Sean, Heidi, Cynthia, Rena and Earl were special blessings in Darla’s life over the past few years, helping her endure difficult times and the pain from which she suffered. Darla is no longer in pain and now rests in the arms of our Lord waiting for us to join her. Darla Jean, affectionately called “Suzie Q” by her mom, will be missed by all and will be forever in our hearts.
A celebration of Darla’s life was held at 2 p.m. at Schaudt’s Funeral Home in Tulsa, on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021. Her ashes will be scattered in the mountains of South Fork, Colo., at the Continental Divide on Wolf Creek Pass at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021.
