Ellen Darlene Tedder

Funeral services for Ellen Darlene Tedder, of Hugo, Okla., were held at 2 p.m. Feb. 7, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Hugo.

Ellen Darlene (Maxwell) Tedder was born on July 17, 1940 to Edgar Dee Maxwell and Cleo (Hasty) Maxwell in Unger, Okla. Darlene passed from this life, at the age of 84, on the evening of Feb. 3, 2025, surrounded by all of her children, family, and friends in Hugo. She was preceded in death by her parents; the love of her life, James Tedder; brothers: Elbert Lee Maxwell, Edgar Eugene Maxwell, Edwin Leon Maxwell, and Eddie Arnold Maxwell; sister: Eva Jolene (Maxwell) Saxon; two granddaughters: Angela Kay Morris and Mary Ellen (Pooh) Tedder; one great-granddaughter, Avery Ann Jones; son-in-law, Thomas Warren.

Darlene grew up in Unger and married James Tedder on Sept. 13, 1956. They lived in Oklahoma City, Hugo and Grand Prairie, Texas, before returning to Hugo and planting roots in 1974. They had six children who have now added 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren to their legacy. Darlene’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of her life and she loved them dearly.

Darlene was affectionately known as “Doll” by her late sister Jolene and by “Momma,” “Grannie,” and “GG” by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – as well as any friends who were ever brought around her by them. Darlene was a light to anyone who knew her and she was the center stone of her family. She was a caretaker by nature, and she did so by tending to whatever was needed –– especially cooking and baking. She was an amazing cook and passed several of those recipes down to her children and grandchildren to be carried on. Darlene worked in several capacities throughout her life which included being a waitress, convenience store clerk, working for Superior Switchboard Technology in Paris, Texas, and being Treasurer for Hugo VFW Women’s Auxiliary. More than likely, her favorite job was being a caretaker for Mamaw in North Dallas and for James before he went to the nursing home.

Darlene’s favorite past time was going to play Bingo.

She never needed her arm twisted to go play and she would daub anyone’s card who went with her if they weren’t daubing their card fast enough to her liking. Her other hobbies included quilting, crafting, going to the casino, playing cards with family, and playing marbles at family reunions — especially when she was partnered with her sister, Jolene. She enjoyed cruises, thanks to Mamaw, who took her on her first one in the early 2000s. She would be ready to pack as soon as anyone mentioned going on one. Darlene loved John Wayne, Audie Murphy, and Randolph Scott and would watch any of their movies whenever she knew they would be on TV. Darlene had an infectious laugh and was instantly loved by anyone who met her.

Darlene is survived by brothers: Ronnie Maxwell and GW Collins; sisters: Jennifer Maxwell, Kay Maxwell, Diane Maxwell, and Linda Drinnon; children: James Erwin Tedder and wife, Mary Sue of Grand Prairie, Texas, Sharron Kay Morris and husband, Michael of Dallas, Bart Tedder of Hugo, Sheila Smith and husband, Dale of Hugo, Tammy Warren of Hugo, Eddie Tedder of Grant; grandchildren: Pam and John Hoffman, Michael Arron and Mari Lynn Morris, Berry, Chase, and Randi Morris, Lyndsey Parker; Josh and Rachael Tedder, Lacy and Chance Baker, Tiffany Smith, Joey and Jenny Smith, Brett McDaniel, Ashley and Eric Wyrick, Patrick, Jayden and Jacob Tedder, Taylor and Lee Wayman; great-grandchildren: Colby and Chloe Hoffman, Michael Dillon T. Morris, Caydin Benjamin, Camdyn Thomas, Beckham Parker, Braxton Tedder, Addison Jones, Brooklynn Baker, Destiny, Brayden, Zach, Caspynn, and Braxtynn McDaniel, Jacob and Maelee Wayman; several nieces and nephews, and many other family members. Special thanks to the following workers and lifetime friends: Dr. Mike Irvin, Mona Green, Elmbrook Nursing Home and Staff, and Elara Hospice Care.

Interment followed the service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with the Rev. Doug McClure and the Rev. Don Johnson officiating, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.

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