Darlene, age 87, passed away peacefully at home in Eugene, Oregon, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous journey with metastasized pancreatic cancer. Born in Eugene to Marion and Cecile Kelso, she was the eldest of two children and a devoted big sister to her brother Gene. Growing up on the family farm, she learned early the value of hard work and developed a lifelong love of animals.

She married her high school sweetheart, Harvey, and together they shared 67 years of unwavering partnership. They raised two children, Ron and Kathleen, and Darlene took immense joy in her role as grandmother to three and great‑grandmother to five. Her family was the center of her world, and she cherished each of them with her whole heart.

A longtime member of the Irving Grange for over 50 years, Darlene also attended the Irving and Santa Clara churches throughout her life. She found joy in simple, meaningful moments—summers spent camping at the lake,

and quiet days at the coast where beachcombing became her happy place. Her garden was her sanctuary, filled with flowers she tended lovingly and the harvest she canned with care.

Darlene and Harvey shared a spirit of adventure, traveling to Alaska, the Panama Canal, Maine, and many places in between. She was an enthusiastic sports fan, cheering on the University of Oregon and never missing a chance to support her grandchildren—whether keeping her own softball stats or traveling to football games. No one had a bigger cheering section than her grandkids.

Darlene will be remembered for her kindness, her steady presence, and the deep love she poured into her family. Her life was marked by thoughtfulness, devotion, and a quiet strength that will continue to guide those who loved her.

Graveside service at Rest-Haven Memorial Park is planned for June 3, 2026 at 2:00 pm located at 3900 Willamette Street, Eugene, OR 97405.