DeLoris Louise Koloff

DeLoris "Dee" Louise Koloff, age 87, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Friday, June 5, 2026, in Sperry, Oklahoma. Dee was born on January 16, 1939, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Guy Bowman Orcutt and Beatrice Jennette Long Orcutt. At the time of her passing, she resided in Miami, Oklahoma.

Dee lived a life defined by love, generosity, faith, and service to others. For over 50 years, she worked as a nurse, a profession perfectly suited to her compassionate heart and caring nature. She dedicated her life to helping those around her, whether through her work, her family, or the countless acts of kindness she freely gave. If someone admired or needed something she had, it often became theirs. One of her favorite sayings was, "Take it, it's like chips, they'll make more."

Her mother described her as a feisty child, and that spirited nature remained with her throughout her life. Dee was known for her sass, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor. She had a way of making people laugh while also making them feel deeply loved.

Dee found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved going for drives to admire the trees and wildlife around her. Fancy meals never interested her much; she proudly considered herself a junk-food foodie. A real Coca-Cola, a bag of Fritos or Lay's potato chips, and a bologna sandwich were among her favorite treats. Her children affectionately called her the "Sandwich Queen." She often joked, "The only reason I have a kitchen is because it came with the house!"

Her early years were filled with adventure and hard work. She rode and trained "trigger horses" for the Roy Rogers Show, sold tickets at the Tulsa State Fair, and even worked making fried pies. Dee also had a lifelong love of movies. At just 10 years old, she would save her money, announce to her teacher, "I'm leaving," and head to the theater to watch every movie showing that day.

Children held a special place in Dee's heart. She loved surprising them with gifts, treats, and unforgettable moments. She became the creator of the legendary "sucker tree," carefully hand-tying 50 suckers to a tree to surprise her grandchildren. The display was so convincing that one grandchild famously argued on the school playground with another child who insisted sucker trees weren't real.

A gifted seamstress, Dee possessed remarkable talent and creativity. Alterations were her specialty, and she often sewed to earn extra income for her family. She didn't need patterns-she could see an outfit displayed in a store window and return home to create it herself. For many years, she made men's suits and lovingly sewed much of her children's clothing. She also enjoyed shopping, garage sales, and thrift stores, always searching for hidden treasures. Dee had a unique gift for repurposing items, even if it occasionally meant dismantling something vintage to create something new.

Following her marriage to Cecil L. Koloff in 1955, Dee devoted herself to raising and loving her family. She was a proud mother of five children, grandmother of six grandchildren, great-grandmother of thirteen, and great-great-grandmother of seven. Her family was her greatest treasure.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings; her daughter, Polly Ann Marcus; and her grandson, Walter James Dumas Jr.

Dee leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories through her children: Debbie Smith of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Joyce Evans of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mark Koloff of Pensacola, Oklahoma; and Kathy Dudley and husband Darrell. She is also survived by many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends who became family, and her cherished companion of 18 years, her beloved cat, Baby.

Above all else, Dee's faith was the foundation of her life. She treasured her relationship with her Creator, Jehovah God, and faithfully shared Bible truths with others for 56 years after dedicating her life as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on May 7, 1970. Dee often said that what appealed to her most about the Bible was "how simple the message and truths were. It just makes good sense to believe it."

One of her favorite scriptures was Titus 1:2:

"and is based on a hope of the everlasting life that God, who cannot lie, promised long ago."

Dee's life was a beautiful example of love, generosity, faith, and resilience. She will be remembered for her caring heart, her feisty spirit, her laughter, her unwavering devotion to family, and the countless lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.