Darlene Robertson

In Loving Memory of Darlene Frances Poteet Robertson

Darlene Frances Poteet Robertson was born on September 21, 1960, in Eureka, California, to Fay Elizabeth Dory Poteet and Elbert Wayne Poteet. Not long after her birth, the family moved to Duncan, Oklahoma, where Darlene would grow up surrounded by stories, animals, and a deep love for her family and community.

She often shared fond memories of her childhood in the “Country House” just outside of Duncan. Among her favorite tales were those of Pete, a banded carrier pigeon who went AWOL and made their shed his home. One day, Pete returned with another banded pigeon, Petunia, and together they raised a little family of their own. Though Pete loved the children he protected his home. Darlene speaks of sneaking up on Pete until he flew out and pounced on them. She could not contain her laughter when she spoke of Grandma Maggie hanging the laundry on the clothes line as Pete swooped at her and brush her with his wings. She had little patience with pesky birds and giggling children.

Darlene also recalled the family’s protective dog, Sieber, a retired police K9. When a group of neighborhood boys once threatened her and her sisters, Sigmund chased them off heroically, ensuring they never returned. Darlene always told these stories with a smile, never bitter or sad, just grateful for the richness of life.

Darlene graduated from Duncan High School in 1978. Though she didn’t pursue formal higher education, her near-photographic memory and sharp intellect served her well in many fields. She managed Wright’s Donuts in Duncan with such skill that the owner offered to finance her the business and help her during his retirement (an offer she humbly declined). She later worked at Haggar Slacks, mastering the most difficult sewing tasks, including belt loops. She became the go-to person to troubleshoot any station on the floor. Later at the UPS hub in Oklahoma City, she handled all the most difficult traces for lost packages.

Managing the dental practice is where her sharp mind and confident demeanor truly shined. One day a sales rep demanded to speak to the doctor directly, Darlene offered to take a message, and he told her that she was just an employee, a “low-level” one at that, and she was wasting his time. She replied that she would have the doctor call him back. Once she had his information she informed him, "I am co-owner of this practice, and the doctor works for me. I'll make sure you never talk to him." All with a smile and calming voice.

Darlene had two sons, Jacob and Jesse, with her first husband Johnnie Hasley. She later married Wendell Robertson on July 18, 1985, in the Provo Temple, just five months after meeting him at a church dance in Oklahoma City. Later Wendell adopted the boys. Though there was initial tension between Johnnie and Wendell, Darlene was grateful when they came together to affirm to the boys that they were doubly blessed, with two fathers who loved them deeply. From then on, laughter and friendship defined their blended family. Together, they had three more children: Rick T., John Patrick, and Alyssa Fay.

Darlene was a loving mother, sister, partner, and friend. She was known for her gentle patience, her sense of humor, and her deep love of animals. She cared for every creature that came into her life, including her beloved Amazon parrot, Tiki. She shared many joyful memories of riding a horse named Irish and even fulfilled her dream of horseback riding in Ireland with a dear friend. Fraidy-Cat, Pikachu (cat), and dogs: Bob, Emerson, and Cooper are members of our family. Cooper (Golden Retriever) was especially sensitive to Darlene and was her constant companion.

She had a great love of music (especially country and 70s classics) and was known for her roller-skating skills and her joyful dancing. Darlene and Wendell sang and danced every time they were together, to the last day. The music was played loudly, and other memory care residents would gather and dance as well. She enjoyed traveling and cherished time that she spent with those she loved. An avid reader, Darlene loved reading alongside her daughter, often sharing the same books, memories that will be cherished forever. She supported her children through every challenge and brought warmth and laughter to their lives.

Darlene was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully for many years. With her beloved husband Wendell, they taught Primary children in Oklahoma, Germany, and Utah, each teaching half the lesson. Later, as her disease progressed, she could only offer a prayer, and finally, with assistance, would offer one-word prayers. The favorite of the children was, “Love.”

Even as dementia progressed, Darlene’s nurturing spirit remained. She instinctively cared for those around her, offering kindness, love, and compassion until the very end. Her resilience and gentle heart never faded.

Darlene spent nearly four years in memory care, and her family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the care family at The Auberge at Aspen Park in Salt Lake City. Their loving environment, attentive care, and genuine compassion brought peace to Darlene and her loved ones. Knowing she was safe, clean, well-fed, and—most importantly—loved made all the difference.

Darlene is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 40 years, Wendell M. Robertson; children Jesse D. Robertson, Rick T. Robertson (Megan), John Patrick Robertson, and Alyssa Fay Robertson, grandchildren: Dillan Otterstrom, Hayden James Thomas, Aalyiah Ann Belk, Keyana Robertson, Harley Quin Robertson, Ash Isaac Robertson, Dinah Bell Robertson, Lucy James Robertson and siblings Doris (Dana) Thacker, Donna Mina, Patricia Davis, and Patrick Wayne Poteet. She was preceded in death by her son Jacob Jon Hasley Robertson, brother John Russell Poteet, and her beloved mother Fay Elizabeth Dory Poteet.

Darlene will be remembered as a woman of strength, kindness, intelligence, humor, and enduring love. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

Please join us in a Visitation and Memorial service on Friday, July 18th starting at 10:00. This will be held at the LDS Ward church building at 2981 E 1660 S in Spanish Fork, UT.

To leave condolences for the family, visit www.legacyfunerals.com.