Theresa Lynn DeLay's Obituary
Theresa Lynn DeLay, 71, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday evening, November 6, 2024. Born October 3, 1953, in Joplin, Missouri, she was the daughter of Richard Ernest and Betty Jean (Wood) Wirthman.
As the youngest daughter among ten children (four girls and six boys), Theresa learned the value of family and caregiving from an early age. Her family relocated to St. Louis during her high school years, where she continued to nurture her natural caring instincts.
Theresa's professional journey was marked by dedication and continuous growth. She began her career as a hairstylist in Broken Arrow, where she owned and operated "Scissors" salon throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. In 1994, she graduated from Tulsa Community College's nursing program and began working at St. John's Hospital in orthopedics. She later earned her BSN from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and advanced to become a manager of the cardiac floor. Her pursuit of excellence led her to complete a Master's in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma. She concluded her medical career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a utilization management nurse, retiring in 2018.
In January 2001, Theresa married Darrell DeLay in Tulsa, beginning a beautiful chapter of shared love for travel, outdoor adventures, and classic rock concerts. They particularly cherished their numerous trips to the Grand Canyon. Together, they found their spiritual home at Bethany Freewill Baptist Church.
Theresa lived life fully and joyfully. She could often be found taking walks, tending to her beloved flower garden, enjoying day hikes, or spending precious time with her grandchildren, attending their games and events regularly. Those who knew her best described her as loving, beautiful inside and out, radiating kindness and joy, strong, and generous. Her special bond with her sister Martha, who was her best friend throughout life, was a testament to her dedication to family relationships.
She is survived by her children: Randi Wilson and husband Tim, Autumn Carrisalez, and Graig DeLay and wife Hailey; grandchildren: Natalie, Elizabeth, Anderson, and Addison; siblings: Muriel, Martha, Richard, Eric, and Joe; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Theresa was preceded in death by her beloved husband Darrell, her parents Richard and Betty Wirthman, and siblings Elizabeth, James, Robert, and Brian.
A Celebration of Theresa's Life will be held 11 AM Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Bethany Church in Broken Arrow. Theresa and Darrell will be laid to rest together at Calvary Cemetery.
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