Darlene Lea Buelke passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at the home she shared with her daughter and son-in-law near Michigan Valley, Kansas.

Darlene was born on April 3, 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio to James and Hazel (Syverson) Phipps. In 1947, her parents, in partnership with her Uncle Sy and Aunt Edith Syverson, purchased Moulder Court, a motor lodge, and relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was raised at Moulder Court alongside her three cousins - Carol, Joyce, and Debbie - with whom she developed close and life-long relationships. She considered them to be her sisters.

Darlene graduated from East Central High School in 1959. She attended Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah where she studied mathematics and graduated in 1962 with a teaching degree. She then returned to East Central where she taught math and science to secondary students. In 1967, she moved to Claremore and began teaching at Claremore Public Schools. Darlene returned to NSU to complete her master's degree in 1974. Darlene's career in education spanned 40 years, initially as a math and science teacher, then as a high school guidance counselor, then as the Director of an Alternative Learning (AL) Center, and finally as a middle school guidance counselor. She loved her students and fellow staff members. Darlene was involved in multiple civic groups in the community that support youth. In 1993, Darlene and her AL colleagues were given the Oklahoma Foundation of Excellence Dropout Prevention Award.

Darlene met George Buelke in 1963, and they married on June 16, 1965 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. George was the love of her life, and they were inseparable until his death in 2009. Together, they bought rural acreage and built a home in Claremore. Both loved animals, and their farm was home to cattle, horses, ducks, chickens, geese, genies, a one-horned goat, a pot-bellied pig, and many, many dogs and cats. Darlene and George also had an arts and crafts business. Darlene was a talented seamstress and folk-art painter.

Darlene and George had one daughter, Jamye. Darlene was a constant in Jamye's life - unfalteringly providing love, guidance, and support. She was a devoted mother to Jamye throughout her entire lifetime. Darlene moved to Kansas in 2010 to share a home with Jamye and her husband, Cody. Jamye was exceptionally fortunate to have spent time with her mom each day for the last 13 years.

Darlene loved her family and friends dearly. She was kind and compassionate, and she was always able to see the best in people and in situations. She sought opportunities to connect with others, and rarely missed a chance to offer encouragement or genuine compliments. She had the unique ability to lift people's spirits, and always tried to leave others happier than she found them. She made the best of everything and didn't give up easily. Darlene made a positive impact on the lives of many; she will be truly missed but never forgotten.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her cousin/sister Carol Linihan, and many dear friends. She leaves behind her daughter Jamye Buelke Naramore, son-in-law Cody Naramore, grandson Austin Naramore, cousin/sister Joyce Toney, cousin/sister Debbie Totty, and many loved family members and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life & Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 6:30-10pm in the Vista Room at the Will Rogers Museum and Memorial, 1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017. Family and friends are invited to come and share fond memories and stories of Darlene. The family encourages attendees to dress casually.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation in Darlene's name to Rogers County Volunteers for Youth Pal Program.