Olga Kathryn Dargel passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025. She was born on November 5, 1955, in Ada, OK, to her beloved parents, John and Doris McKain. She shared her childhood with her sisters, Suzy and Vicki. Kathy graduated from Ada High School in 1974, and after completing nursing school in 1978, she worked at Dallas Children's Hospital with her college friends for two years, where she developed a passion for pediatric oncology. She later pursued her Master’s at the University of Arizona, where she met her soulmate, Michael Dargel, in the nursing library—a place he claims to have frequented for its "quiet." They married on July 3, 1983. Together, Mike and Kathy shared 42 years filled with laughter, competition, fellowship with friends, and endless love and support for each other and their family. Most evenings, they could be found enjoying sunsets or kayaking on the lake.

Kathy was the heart and soul of her family. Known for her compassion and infectious laughter, she was a selfless mother to Nicholas, McKenna, Bethany, and Kristin. She never missed a ballgame, an award ceremony, packing for a move, or a house project. Whether caring for sick children or celebrating life’s milestones, she was always there. Kathy went all out for every birthday and holiday, offering her unwavering support during tough times and filling her children’s lives with laughter and joy. There was nothing too big or too small that they couldn’t count on her for.

The only thing Kathy adored more than being a mom was being “Oma” to Connor, Lucas, Emmy, Hudson, and Charlee. She took great pride in being “fun Oma”—riding seadoos at the lake, sharing milkshakes at bedtime, filling Oma’s candy jar, celebrating the 12 days of Christmas with presents, and even paying extra for a zoo membership so the kids could ride the carousel as many times as they wanted. At Oma’s daycare, the children learned valuable lessons: how to be generous, how to solve puzzles, and how to speak with a thick southern drawl.

Kathy’s career is one that’s difficult to capture in words. She never saw her work as just a 12-hour shift, she poured her heart into everything she did. Her first job out of nursing school took her to Dallas Children’s, where she discovered her passion for helping kids and working toward a cure for childhood cancer. In New Mexico, Kathy guided new moms through the joys and challenges of motherhood. Later in Chandler, she created and led youth programs that mentored and inspired school-age children, leaving a lasting impact on everyone and her community. When she returned to pediatric oncology at St. Francis, Kathy’s dedication only deepened. In addition to caring for her young patients and their families, she served on the board of Gold4Kids in Tulsa, where she worked tirelessly to build community for families in their most difficult time, while advocating for a cure. Every summer, she looked forward to Camp New Dawn in West Texas, a week filled with laughter, hope, and the kind of joy that Kathy brought wherever she went. Whatever she took on, Kathy gave 110%, leading with compassion, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for others.

Of course, you couldn’t talk about Kathy without mentioning her love for Oklahoma State University. She embodied her alma mater’s spirit of being “Loyal and True,” proudly wearing her OSU orange, through every season, win or lose.

Kathy was a shining light to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was defined by love, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

We hope you’ll remember Kathy for the way she lived with joy, purpose, and faith and for the lasting impact she made on everyone around her. We invite you to share your favorite memories or stories of Kathy as we celebrate her remarkable life.

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