May 27, 1931 - April 13, 2023
Darlene Kathryn Heil was born on a farm near Akaska, SD on May 27, 1931 to Daniel and Hannah Ladner, German immigrants from Ukrane. She loved learning, attending a 1-room school on horseback with her brother, Marv. At 13, she moved away from home, and worked for room and board to attend high School. She determined to follow Jesus Christ as her Savior at age 9 and throughout her 91 years.
At Mobridge High School, Darlene found her true love, Donald Heil, whom she married in 1952. When Don returned from serving in Korea, they moved from cold South Dakota to sunny Lodi, California, where she worked for Dr. Arliss Sutherland as his dental assistant. She joined First Baptist Church. Soon, children, Robin and Brian arrived and Darlene became a delightful Mom.
In 1974 Darlene became a clerk for the Instructional Materials Center of the LUSD. She loved her work and made life-long friends with her co-workers. After enjoying her computer at work, it felt natural to have one at home. As the grandchildren grew, they realized that Grandma was not just a great cook and a talented seamstress, she was a whiz with her Mac… and she had “The Oregon Trail”!
Retirement in 1993 meant freedom to travel for Darlene and Don until his passing in 2005. Darlene multitasked with grandchildren, great grandchildren, cards with dear friends, volunteering with “Mom to Mom” and the Pregnancy Resource Center, and mission trips to Mexico, and twice to India to speak at a Women’s Conference and to support Grace English School.
Darlene left for her Heavenly Home on April 13, 2023 where she joined her husband, Don, her parents, siblings: Vesta Stapf, Irene Lutz and Marvin Ladner, and her dear friend, Don Schneider. She leaves behind her brother, Vernon Ladner, children: Robin (Steve) Skelton and Brian (Rhonda) Heil, grandchildren: Heather Quinley, Erin (Chris) Berumen, Brooke (Paul) Ruvalcaba, Noel (Lauren’) Heil, Kathryn Skelton (Josh) Dougherty and Carole Skelton, 16 great grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson.
They will celebrate her sweet life this summer.