09/04/2022
Darlene Norma (Staley) Gehring was born April 6, 1927, in Knoxville Iowa. She was the oldest of two children born to Fannie and Sam Staley. She attended school in towns across Marion County and graduated Class of 1945 from Knoxville High School.
Darlene Norma (Staley) Gehring died on September 4, 2022.
After graduation, she met and married Lenard Gehring and left Knoxville to farm in rural Marion County.
Darlene taught in a one-room schoolhouse before becoming a mom to her only child, Susan. In addition to homemaking and farming responsibilities, Darlene grew beautiful flowers, making the lawn envy of the neighborhood.
She belonged to the local women’s club, attended monthly meetings, and played cards with the other couples.
Throughout her life, Darlene was an avid pianist, playing the organ at church and piano at home. She loved playing hymns and old sheet music, playing them over and over until they were perfect.
After her husband died, she began working at Griffin Nursing Home in the activities department – a job she truly loved. She wrote newspaper articles about their activities and added much enjoyment to the residents living there.
Always an excellent seamstress, she became an avid quilter and crafter, sewing hundreds of quilts that were distributed around the world through the Lutheran Church. She was working on quilt tops until a few days before her death. She also enjoyed visits from friends and completing crossword puzzle books.
Darlene was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Knoxville, and her church family, friends, and most especially her sister Doris, helped her live independently at home until her death at the Kavanaugh Hospice House in Des Moines.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents and husband Lenard. She is survived by her daughter Susan and son-in-law John; her beloved sister Doris; and many nephews and nieces, including great and great-great nephews and nieces.
Memorials can be made in lieu of flowers to Trinity Lutheran Church.
The date and time for the memorial service are pending.