Darlene Kaye Idleman, 78, of Oakland, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Family Care Center in Kingston, Oklahoma.

Kaye was born on February 23, 1947, in Wilson, Oklahoma, to the late Woodrow Wilson Hollingsworth and Edna Faye Latham Hollingsworth. She was raised in Wilson and graduated from Wilson High School in 1965. That same year, on March 17, she married Jerry Ray Idleman, also in Wilson.

After a brief time in Virginia, they settled in the Madill area in 1967, eventually making their lifelong home in Oakland.

Kaye worked at the Oakland Post Office before joining Thrifty Food Center in Madill, where she dedicated over 20 years before retiring. Known for her lively spirit and joyful heart, Kaye found great happiness in time spent with family and friends. She and Jerry shared many wonderful memories square dancing with the Dixie Squares of Durant and attending the National Sandbass Festival—always sitting up front for the concerts.

Kaye was affiliated with Rexroat Baptist Church in Wilson. She had a love for the simple joys of life: attending auctions, camping, and especially watching the birds. But above all, her greatest joy was her family. She was their biggest supporter, never missing a grandchild's sporting event and always cheering the loudest.

Kaye is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Jerry Ray Idleman of Oakland, Oklahoma

Sons:   Brian Idleman and wife Christy of Madill, Oklahoma

Mike Idleman and wife Lisa of Madill, Oklahoma

Grandchildren: Austin Hawkins, Jake Idleman, Keller Idleman, Dylan Idleman, Christopher Idleman, Braxtin Idleman, and Allison Evers

Great-grandchildren: Ryver, Ryker, Sutton, Rhett, Karter, Khynleigh, and Blakely.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and one sister.

Casket Bearers:         Austin Hawkins, Jake Idleman, Keller Idleman, Dylan Idleman, Christopher Idleman, Braxtin Idleman