Theresa Marie Dell went to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ on Thursday morning, August 20,2020. Theresa was born on September 22, 1937 to Oscar and Ophie Patton on their family farm near Martha, Oklahoma. She grew up helping her parents pick cotton until she graduated from Martha High School. She continued her education at Oklahoma State University (A&M) and graduated in 1959 with a BS and major in Vocational Home Economics. She started her teaching career at Canute Public School as the Home Economics teacher. She was there until she began working for OSU Extension Service in Kay County as the Home Economist. Later, she left Newkirk and moved to Grant County where she met the love of her life, Darrel Dell. They were united in marriage on March 19, 1966 and made their home on the Dell’s family homestead east of Medford. In 1967, their first child was born, a daughter and later in 1969 a son was born. After the birth of their daughter, Theresa decided to stay at home to be a mother and assist Darrel on the farm. In 1978, she returned to teaching school at Medford as the Special Education teacher. She received her Masters of Education in 1980 from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. She continued to teach at Medford for 28 years and then left to teach at Meadow Lake Behavioral Hospital, in Enid, until she retired. She had an amazing career in education for 47 years. She has touched and changed so many lives being an educator. It didn’t matter if you were her student or not, she was there for everyone. She was always ready and loved being a sponsor for the kids whether it was FHA, FFA, or class trips. Her and her sidekick, Wilma Hajek, were always ready for an adventure. They loved going and having fun no matter what happened. In her spare time, she loved her flower gardens, crafting, sewing, and helping people, but her passion was teaching.
She is survived by her daughter Daresa Cambron and her husband Robert of Pond Creek; her son Byron Dell and his wife Brandi of Nash; grandchildren Zeb and Zander Cambron, Chezney, Cade, and Cassidy Dell; other family members and many close friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband Darrel, parents, infant brother, mother and father in law.
Services celebrating Theresa’s life will be held 10 am on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at Ladusau Evens Chapel in Enid. Grave side will be held at the Rosemound Cemetery in Medford. Minister Rob Harris will be officiating the service. Family visitation will be at Ladusau Evens on Monday from 6 to 8 pm. Services are under the direction of Ladusau Evens Funeral Home in Enid. Condolences can be made online and services can also be viewed online at ladusauevans.com.