Nancy Carol Durbin

Nancy Carol (Steele) Durbin, 84, of Dewar, Oklahoma and Rogers, Arkansas passed from this life on July 9, 2025. She was born on January 11, 1941, in Henryetta, Oklahoma to Fred and Grace (Loyd) Steele. Nancy was a woman who exemplified, love and dedication. She graduated from Henryetta High School in 1958 and began her career as a telephone operator before finding her true calling in life—her family.

In 1961, she married her dearest and constant companion of 64 years, Bert Durbin and together they built a life full of love and laughter. The couple had two daughters, and Nancy dedicated herself to being a stay-at-home mom, cherishing every moment spent with her girls as they grew up. In 1970 the family moved to Dewar, Oklahoma where Nancy continued to make their house a home filled with warmth, kindness and support.

When her daughters were finishing high school, Nancy decided to pursue her own dream of becoming a teacher. She enrolled in college and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, and for 18 years she taught 4th grade at Dewar public school. Her students remember her as a caring and compassionate teacher who made a lasting impact on their lives just as she has done in her own children and grandchildren.

Bert and Nancy enjoyed their retirement together and in 2020 they moved to Rogers, Arkansas in order to be closer to their growing family. They embraced the joys of being grandparents and great grandparents always providing an inviting and loving presence to those around them.

Nancy leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to her family and students. She is survived by her husband, Bert Durbin, two daughters, Linda Sanderlin (Kevin) and Judy Thomas (Mark), six grandchildren, Clint Watts (Meg), Amanda Ramey (Jeremiah), Max Sanderlin, Grant Reid (Nico), Tyler Sanderlin and Grace Reid and also four great grandchildren, Charlotte, Emma, Olivia and Teddy. Nancy was also blessed with bonus grandkids, Stetson May, Taylor May and Darcy Boone as well as one sister-in-law Marie Durbin, several nieces and her dear friend Karmen May.

Nancy’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported them during this time, include Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas and a dear friend Michelle Turley.

Visitation will be Monday, July 14, 2025, from 6pm-8pm also at Integrity Funeral Services at (410 E. Trudgeon St).

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 1:00pm at Integrity funeral chapel in Henryetta where friends and family will gather to honor her memory. Rev. Ryan Wells will officiate the service. Interment will follow in Westlawn Cemetery under direction of Integrity Funeral Service.

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