Della Vivian Coomer McElyea, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away on June 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on June 19, 1937, in Comanche, Texas, Della spent her life in various places, including Hobbs, New Mexico, and most fondly, Cartwright, Oklahoma, where she made her home.

Della had a passion for music and loved to sing and dance to every genre imaginable. Her zest for life and her ability to find joy in the smallest moments left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Wanda Dansereau, one son, James Kirby and her dearest friend Pat Sherfield. Della is survived by four sons: Bobby Kirby and wife Frankie, Holly Kirby, Ricky Kirby, and Bryan Crowley and wife Katie; two sisters, Patricia Allen and Lucille Sharp; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.