Minelle Louise Batson

Minelle Louise Batson, 76, passed peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at The Hospice House in Olathe.

She was born on May 3, 1949, in Enid, the daughter of Colonel William Evans Darnell and Eda Belle (Smith) Darnell. Minelle grew up primarily in Union City, TN with her grandmother and in Enid, Oklahoma, where she graduated from Enid High School. She later took classes at Phillips University. Throughout her life, she also resided in Harlingen; Lawton; Edmond; and Olathe, Kansas. She was a spunky yet reserved child and as a young adult loved to fish. Her cooking specialties were peanut brittle, chicken fried steak, and the best fluffy cherry cheesecake.

Minelle is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 59 years, Donald Ray Batson of Enid, Oklahoma; her three daughters, Connie Sutton (Jason) of Olathe, Kansas, Karyn Tapper of Biloxi, Mississippi, and Darlene Batson of Yukon, Oklahoma; and her five cherished grandchildren, Mitchell Sutton of Colorado, Laryssa Sutton of Arkansas, Trey Mundell of Mississippi, Austyn Mundell of Mississippi, and Lilylynn Tapper of Mississippi. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Dudlee Ann Linger of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Minelle devoted her life to her family, embodying love, kindness, and unwavering dedication in her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother. She was known for her generous spirit and her ability to make others feel cared for and understood. In her younger years, she worked as a Merchandiser Manager at KMART, a job she truly loved. Yet her heart led her to an even greater calling: becoming a foster mother to several children who needed her love, guidance, and stability. Two of those children later became her adopted daughters, a lasting testament to Minelle’s boundless capacity to nurture and uplift others.

A private person who treasured her small family, Minelle did not wish for a formal service. Please think of her and send her butterfly wishes and kisses. In her later years, she developed a love of bird-watching, especially cardinals. When you see a bright red cardinal, think of Minelle—it is often seen as a symbol carrying messages of comfort, hope, and connection to the spiritual realm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to The Hospice House, 15310 S. Marion St., Olathe, KS 66061.

Minelle’s gentle strength, warmth, and steadfast love will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished her. We think of her and miss her every day.