Nancy Claire Durbin

Nancy Claire Durbin, born to Gertrude and Freeman Lee Raper on June 6, 1933 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026. She attended Tulsa Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1951. Nancy attended the University of Tulsa where she made life-long friends as a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. While she was at TU, she met the love of her life, Donald Bernard Durbin, and they married at Christ the King Church in Tulsa on May 8, 1954. They raised three children (Mike, Cathey and Susan) with stops along the way in Lafayette, LA, Houston, TX and finally back to Tulsa. Together they celebrated 61 years of marriage. Nancy was the quintessential homemaker who was dedicated to her family and cherished her friendships. She attended and supported all of her children's school and sporting events while volunteering with various civic and charitable causes. In the 1970's, Nancy became the Membership Director of Philbrook Museum of Art. In 1983, Nancy and Don moved to Chanute, Kansas where Nancy served on the Board and led the Capital Campaign Fund for the Osa and Martin Johnson Safari Museum. Moving back to Tulsa in 1999 allowed Nancy and Don to spend more time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing bridge, watching any sporting event, gardening and collecting antiques. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, sister Carolyn Slate and sons-in-law Mike Barkley and Greg Uber. Her husband Don passed away in 2015. She is survived by their 3 children: Mike Durbin (Kathy), Cathey Barkley and Susan Uber; 9 grandchildren: Jacob Uber (Leanna), Zachary Uber, Megan Uber, Michael Barkley, John Barkley, Samantha Barkley McKee (Matt), Grace Scott (Brett), Kay Howard (Jordan) and Emily Harris (John); 11 great-grandchildren (with one more on the way!) and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Nancy's legacy to her family and friends: faith, love and laughter. The Durbin Family is most grateful to all the caregivers, University Village, Miller Hospice and Dr. Stephen Gawey. Rosary is at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Christ the King Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026 also at Christ the King Church. Those wishing to honor Nancy Durbin's memory are encouraged to contribute to Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma, 2450 N. Harvard Ave., Tulsa, OK 74115 or a charity of their choice. Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151

Nancy Claire Durbin

June 6, 1933 - January 15, 2026