Laurel Dinkel of Norman, Oklahoma died June 5th, 2023, at Norman Regional Hospital. Laurel was born on March 7, 1956, in Hays, Kansas, and grew up in Russell. She was the daughter of Loren and Virginia Dinkel who preceded her in death.
Laurel was united to Douglas Cubberley on August 14th, 1982, in Manhattan, Kansas. They moved from Manhattan to Oklahoma City and became parents of Sophia.
Laurel is survived by her husband, Douglas Cubberley of Norman, and daughter Sophia Dinkel. She is also survived by her siblings: Janice Dinkel of Manhattan, KS (Glenn Phelps); Jay Dinkel of Springhill, KS; Bryan Dinkel, and Brad Dinkel (Denise), both of Russell, KS; Kevin Dinkel of Salina KS; and Deanne Dinkel of Topeka, KS, and many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her devotion to family and friends, Laurel was devoted to the social work profession. After graduating from the University of Kansas, she obtained her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky, with a Concentration in Gerontology. This devotion focused on providing counseling services to older adults and their families as well as teaching and serving on many state and community boards, such as the Areawide Aging Agency. Laurel and Doug moved to Oklahoma in 1982 so she could provide counseling services to older adults at Red Rock Mental Health Center in Oklahoma City. In 1988, she became the Director of Aging Services at Community Counseling Center. There, she was responsible for Senior Counseling, Senior Sobriety, and Day Treatment Programs.
Laurel taught at both Kansas State University and the University of Oklahoma helping students develop skills to serve the aging population. She was passionate about teaching and had high standards for students, so they were ready to offer professional services to aging clients. She continued teaching classes at Kansas State University in Mental Health and Aging and the Dynamics of Working with Older Adults until her death. In 1995, Laurel developed her private practice, ElderCounseling & Clinical Services, PLLC. She contracted with other Clinical Social Workers to provide counseling services to aging clients. Her reputation in providing aging services resulted in many referrals from the medical community as well as from various aging focused agencies. Laurel loved to travel. Among her many travels were six months in Bogota, Columbia where she taught English to adults. Her travels took her to South America, Europe, and Morocco. Her last trip was in September 2022 to Spain to celebrate her 40th wedding anniversary. Laurel will be missed by friends, family, clients, and others.
Celebration of Laurel’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 at Pohlmans-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Remembrances will be shared by family and friends starting at 1:00 p.m. and family will be present to greet friends until 4:00 p.m. In lieu of sending flowers or gifts please consider providing a donation to Meals on Wheels of Russell, Kansas or Second Chance Animal Rescue of Norman, Oklahoma. A celebration in Oklahoma will be later this year. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the memorial service arrangements.