Darlene Leach

Mary “Darlene” Leach, 85, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Darlene was a life-long resident of the Tryon, Oklahoma area.

Darlene was born on June 2, 1938, in Madera, California to Clarence James and Zella Opal (Anderson) Hood. At a young age, her family relocated to Tryon. She attended school in Tryon, graduating from Tryon High School in 1956. She went on to earn a master’s degree in home economics from Oklahoma State University. Darlene taught school in Carney, Oklahoma from 1973-1978, mainly home economics. For several years she worked as a Home Economist for several Oklahoma counties.

Darlene married Chester Irvin Leach on May 24, 1958, and together they raised two children.

Darlene’s true passion was quilting. She owned, along with her sister, “The Quilting Post” in Perkins, Oklahoma for many years. She also enjoyed working in Yellowstone National Park during the summers and traveling.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Zella Hood; her son, Craig James Leach; and sister, Carol Ann McDaniels.

She is survived by a daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Harris; sister, Wilma Joyce Rigsby; grandson, Zachary James Harris and his wife, Emily (Mach) Harris; two grandchildren, Zachary Thomas Rayner, and Hailey Michelle Harris; adopted daughter, Kathy Kennedy; and her beloved fur baby, Jake.