Orpha Darlene Moser

Darlene Moser, age 94, of Tulsa, OK, passed away peacefully holding the hands of family on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Darlene was the baby of twelve children born to Fannie Orpha (Norris) Dillard and Cyrus Bell Dillard, on Saturday, March 8, 1930, in Berthoud, Colorado. She graduated from North High School in Denver, Colorado in 1948. Darlene aspired to become a medical missionary, attending Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. She was a good student and completed two years of school. Love and life intervened when she met and married Ed Terrill, giving birth to her first two children Deborah Joyce and Kenneth Lowell. Finding herself in an unexpected and rare state as a single divorced mother in the early 1950's and needing to support her young children, Darlene enrolled in Draughons School of Business in Tulsa, Oklahoma, earning a Certificate of Proficiency in the budding field of Key Punch, in May,1955. Over her seventy-year career, Darlene worked in the early fields of data entry, computer programming, accounting, and bookkeeping. While working at Sinclair Oil in the Summer of 1957, Darlene met Tom Moser on a blind date set up by their best friends. Tom and Darlene married three months later. The young family began attending Yale Avenue Presbyterian Church in 1959 where Darlene was a regular Sunday School teacher and long-time member of the choir, Board of Deacons, Presbyterian Women, and fulfilled many other roles in the life of the church. While working full time, Darlene and Tom expanded their family four more times, with the addition of Thomas "TomTom" Earl, Matthew Cole, Paula Darlene, and Bret Curtis. All six children were baptized at Yale Avenue and spent their youth closely tied to the church. Darlene continued attending and even kept the books for the church until shortly before her death. Known for putting her faith into action, Darlene was a staunch advocate for her own son, TomTom, and other adults with developmental disabilities. She volunteered with Bethphage Mission South, and for fifteen years with OK Aim, as an advocate, monitor, and ombudsman, inspecting living conditions for disabled adults living in the Tulsa community. Darlene also volunteered for several years in the Sandburg Elementary School Library and was recognized by the school and District as Sandburg's Senior Volunteer of the Year for the 2003-2004 school year. Darlene was also known for her countless acts of generosity and kindness, many of which we will never know. She supported several charities, including Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, St. Joseph's Indian School, and Special Olympics. Darlene was fiercely independent and intelligent with a sharp, quick wit. She was a whiz at cryptograms and a voracious reader, especially of John Grisham books. Darlene had a rather green thumb and loved having her hands in the dirt, but she loved nothing more than her big, loud, laughing family gathered around the kitchen table playing games - be it dominoes, joker, cards, or any other board game. She particularly loved playing cribbage with anyone brave enough to take her on. Until the end she gleefully handed her children and grandchildren scorching defeats - even scoring three full Yahtzee's the last time she played. Darlene will be greatly missed in the days ahead, but her spirit and memories will live on through those who were privileged to have called her Momma, Grandma Dolly, Aunt Darlene, Family, and Friend. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas Paul Moser (DOD 10/4/2003); son, Kenneth Lowell Terrill (DOD 4/14/2014); son, Thomas Earl Moser (DOD 1/14/1987); and her 11 siblings. Darlene is survived by four children, Deborah Kerr and husband Terry of Tulsa, OK, Matthew Moser and wife Julie of Indianapolis, IN, Paula Moser-Bartlett of Jacksonville, FL, and Bret Moser of Tulsa, OK; six grandchildren, Rebecca Ollar and husband, William, Joshua Kerr and wife, Tara, Colton Moser and wife, Victoria, Bailey Moser and fianc� Gary McGowan, Olivia Bartlett, and Thomas Bartlett; and four great-grandchildren, Christopher Ollar, Benjamin Ollar, Kellan Kerr, Abigail Ollar; countless Dillard cousins and a lifetime of friends. Flowers may be sent through Moore's Eastlawn. Donations may be made in her name to ARC of Oklahoma or any of her other noted charities. Funeral Services: 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 12, 2024, at Yale Avenue Presbyterian Church, 510 S. Yale Ave., Tulsa, OK., 74112 followed by graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, OK. Arrangements by: Moore's Eastlawn Chapel 1908 S. Memorial Dr. Tulsa, OK 74112 (918) 622-1155 www.moorefuneral.com

Orpha Darlene Moser

March 8, 1930 - April 4, 2024