Cover photo for Oleta Durnell's Obituary
Oleta Durnell Profile Photo
1942 Oleta 2016

Oleta Durnell

April 26, 1942 — October 12, 2016

Oleta (Werner) Durnell, age 74 of Denver, Colorado passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2016. She was born to Mabel Indiana (Harmon) Werner and John Clark Werner at their home in Missouri on April 26, 1942.

Oleta attended Clever High School before attending Southwest Missouri State University, where she was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. In addition to a movie star smile and an engaging, journalistic writing style, Oleta toured in the early 1960's as a member of LD Keller's Promenaders; "America's Favorite Square Dancers" who frequently performed with legends of the Grand Old Opry. Oleta received her BA in Journalism from SMSU and followed her mother's career path as an elementary school teacher.

On November 28, 1963, Oleta married Gerald (Gerry) Durnell in Springfield Missouri. Together they crisscrossed the nation to complete Gerry's Army aviation training and were stationed in Hanau, Germany while Gerry served with distinction in Vietnam. Ultimately, they relocated back to Springfield, Missouri and then to Santa Claus, Indiana to pursue job opportunities. Upon divorcing in 1984, Oleta returned to Springfield and soon after moved to Colorado to be with her children.

Family and children were Oleta's passion and delight. She never missed a chance to brag on her children and grandchildren and the shrine of family photos was a cherished possession. She never missed a chance to brag on her children and grandchildren... they were truly her life.

She drew energy from snuggles with children and celebrated their activities, competitions and accomplishments long after the event. In a way, all of her students became an extension of her family as well. Her goal was to teach reading mastery to each of her students. It never ceased to excite her when a student grasped reading for the first time. She often described the light of learning and understanding she observed in their eyes when they first caught on and was her highest satisfaction in her teaching career.

Despite years of imperfect health and circumstance, Oleta forged a strength and dependence on an unshakeable faith. Her treasured Bibles were highlighted, tear-stained and filled with notes in her distinctive cursive handwriting. Her faithful prayers and confidence in her Savior sustained her and left a powerful legacy to her family. At the end of her life, she was surrounded by her children, sonogram pictures of her great grandchild, a 2016 Denver Broncos schedule, songs and hymns, and heartfelt prayers celebrating her new home.

Oleta is survived by her brother, John Werner (Anita), her sister, Cleta Fulbright (David), her three children Meranie Skari (Dan), John Durnell (Rona), Amber Storm (Jeff), and seven grandchildren and a great grandchild due in December. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and hundreds of devoted students who caught a glimpse of her dedication for reading.

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last few months.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held in Springfield, Missouri at the Nathaniel Greene Botanical Gardens on Sunday, October 23rd 2016 from 11:00am to 3:00pm - eulogy to be given at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an education growfund account to be established soon.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Oleta Durnell, please visit our flower store.

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