Dian Eileene Darity

Dian Eileene Darity, lovingly known to many as “Nana,” passed away peacefully Jan. 6, 2026 at home in Sawyer, Okla., at the age of 82. A lifelong educator, devoted mother and cherished grandmother, Dian’s generosity of spirit left a mark on all who were privileged enough to cross paths with such an extraordinary soul.

Dian graduated from Soper High School, where she dominated the basketball court. She married her high school sweetheart, Jimmy Dale Darity who was waiting to greet her on the other side. She received her Bachelor and Master’s Degrees from SOSU in early childhood education and spent many years teaching kindergarten and music at Hugo Public Schools. She inspired a generation of children who entered her class each morning to receive just the right amount of hugs and left each afternoon with a head full of knowledge and a warm feeling that automatically grew with the love that she offered every young person who entered her classroom. Affectionately known as the “Piano Lady,” Dian inspired a love of music for so many and wholeheartedly loved every single student in her care.

After putting her beloved piano up to retire, she enthusiastically embraced her new adventures as Nana to Abigail, Lilly Dale, Cate and Caleb, along with every friend they brought home with them.

Nana spent nearly 83 years on this earth having never uttered a negative or hurtful word towards another human being. What a legacy for her to leave us and how fortunate we are to have been the beneficiaries of such kindness.

Dian leaves behind a massive void for her beloved family: son, David Dale Darity and wife, Michele of Sawyer; daughter, Dana Darity and husband, Kent Taylor of Caney Kan.; granddaughter, Abigail Taylor and partner, Jarrett Ernest of Parsons, Kan.; granddaughter, Lilly Dale Darity of Sawyer; grandson, Caleb Curtis and wife, Sarah of Baton Rouge La.; sisters: Vicki Huff of Norman, Okla., Kathy Hampton of Tucson, Ariz., and Shannon Harris of Blanchard, Okla.; brother, David Fleck of Galveston, Texas; loving sister-inlaw, Dorris Fleck and niece, Meredith Kelly Fleck, both of Alexandria, La.; great-nephew, Cody Babin Holloway, who is serving his country in the Navy currently stationed in Japan; beloved niece, Darla Tillman, husband Chuck and great-nephew, Chas Tillman. Dian was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jimmy Dale Darity; beloved granddaughter, Cate Curtis; father, Joe Fleck; mother, Gwendolyn Harmon; brother, John Danny Fleck; brother, Rusty Fleck; nephew, John Mark Fleck; grandfather, Sam Harmon and grandmother, Vella Mae Harmon; brothers-in-law: Lynn Darity and Juanelle Darity.

Dian’s family would like to thank so many friends, loved ones, nurses and neighbors who were always willing and eager to chip in to help in a million small ways and big ways over the years. Dian understood the value of community and never took anything for granted.

In lieu of flowers, please offer a kindness to someone in need. Donations to St Jude’s children’s Hospital would be greatly appreciated as Nana’s generous and regular gifts will surely be missed.

A celebration of life was held Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 at Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Funeral Home.

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