Delores Maxine White

Delores Maxine (Newell) White
June 27, 1936 – January 22, 2025

Delores Maxine (Newell) White, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished family matriarch, passed away peacefully at home with family on January 22nd, 2025, at the age of 88.

Born on June 27, 1936, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Florence and Glenn Newell, Delores was the youngest of four siblings—Betty, Marvin, and Johne. From an early age, she embodied kindness, strength, and an unwavering devotion to her loved ones.

At just 15 years old, Delores married the love of her life, Leroy White, on February 9, 1952, after a whirlwind three-month courtship. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, sharing over 50 years of steadfast love until Leroy’s passing in 2002. Their journey together was one of hard work, laughter, and dedication to each other and their dreams.

In 1964, Delores and Leroy moved to the Little Axe area to be near Leroy’s family, where she embraced country living and immersed herself in the culture of the Absentee Shawnee Tribal people. She developed a deep bond with her in-laws, particularly Barbara Little Axe and her husband, Jerry. They shared many life-adventures and celebrated many of life’s milestones together. She also cherished her relationships with the families of Robert and Dorothy White and Webb and Katherine Little Jim (all four now deceased). She loved her in-laws and their families as her own for over seven decades.

Delores had a zest for life and found joy in simple pleasures. She loved dancing, cheering for the Oklahoma Sooners—especially Baker Mayfield—bowling, and family gatherings. An avid bowler, she participated in a league until the age of 84, with her high scores proudly displayed on her refrigerator. She also delighted in Elvis Presley movies, Burt Reynolds’ films, and music by Hank Williams and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Her professional journey was equally inspiring. Beginning her career in clerical and bookkeeping roles, Delores joined Gene Rainbolt’s family of companies in 1966, rising to become President of American Trend Life Insurance. Recognized as Oklahoma’s first female president of an insurance company, she later served as Chairman of the Board for Century Life Insurance Company. She retired in 1998 after 32 years of service but continued consulting for Rainbolt’s companies until 2016, completing an impressive 50-year career.

Above all, Delores’ greatest pride and joy was her family. She radiated love and devotion, creating a legacy of warmth and resilience.

She is reunited in heaven with her husband Leroy, her parents, siblings, daughter-in-law JoAnn White, and her lifelong friend of over 70 years, Betty Tinoco Martinez.

Delores’ memory lives on through her children: Teresa Reed (and Robert Lumley), Donna (and Collis) Bosworth, Calvin White, and David (and Debbie) White; her twelve grandchildren: Lisa (and Rick) Frazier, Laura (and Donny) Marshall, Stacy Miller (and Danny Ramsey), Cary (and Brock) Beach, David Johnson Jr., Katie (and Jason) Watson, Danny White (and Brandy Yanas), Jesse (and Lea) White, Darrell (and Lindsey) White, Garrett (and Ashley) Olinger, Logan Boyer, and Callie (and Kevin) Stewart; twenty-one great-grandchildren, eleven great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members, including the Tinoco children.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her loving caregivers, Jessie Neal Webster, Heather Salcedo, and Lori Hames, for their compassionate care.

Delores’ legacy of love, strength, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Services are Monday, January 27th at 10:00 a.m. at Cooper Funeral Home at 210 W. Walnut St. in Tecumseh Oklahoma. Burial to follow at the Little Jim Family Cemetery in Norman. Pot Luck luncheon will be held at Thunderbird Chapel located at 11395 E. Highway 9 in Norman at approximately 1:00 p.m.