Ruth Darlene Self

On February 18, 2026, Ruth Darlene Self left this world at the age of 74 — a woman who lived vividly and entirely in her own way. Born on September 7, 1951, Ruth Darlene Self was known to friends and family as Didi and Sis.

Darlene did not move quietly through life. She felt things deeply. She saw the world intensely. She could be bold, opinionated, funny, creative, and unexpectedly tender. She was not easily contained by circumstance or expectation. She loved beauty — not the subtle kind, but the kind that demanded to be seen. Her gardens were alive with color. Her paintings were filled with blossoms that stood tall against stark backdrops — flowers reaching upward, no matter what surrounded them. In many ways, her art told her story: resilient color rising in complicated landscapes.

She collected sparkling jewelry and wore it the way she lived — unapologetically. She made friends in unlikely places. Conversations with her were rarely dull. She brought energy into a room. She challenged. She surprised. She stayed with you.

Darlene’s life was not simple, but it was real. She leaves behind canvases layered with color and gardens that will bloom again. She was generous and loved giving gifts. She shared her artwork with the community. A local bank displays her work in the drive-through - a single sunflower she painted.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Aline and Bill Self, and her brother, Bruce Self. She is survived by her sisters, Elena Conduff (and husband Jerry) and Lisa Haskins (and husband Raymond), and sister-in-law Chris Self. She leaves behind and inspired three nieces, Cassandra Mayes, Charlee Conyers, and Stephanie Conduff ; four nephews - Zachary Walker, Mark Walker, Jerry Conduff (and wife Renee) and Thomas Conduff, who carry memories of her unmistakable spirit. And beautiful and talented great-grand nieces and great-grand nephews.

She was a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and valued her family traditions like Decoration in May. She will be laid to rest at Akins Cemetery alongside her mother, father, and brother.

In her honor, may we plant something bold, wear something bright and remember that flowers will always find a way to grow.