Obituary - Darlene Marie Butcher Collett

Darlene Marie Butcher Collett

Darlene Marie Butcher Collett, age 91, our devoted mother and grandmother, passed away July 27, 2016 with family by her side.

Born April 19, 1925, Darlene was the first of two children born to Otis and Mildred (Clites) Butcher in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Darlene grew up in Emerson, Iowa and graduated valedictorian of Emerson High School, class of 1943. After graduation she worked at Glen L. Martin bomber plant where she met her husband to be James Clark Collett.

Darlene and James were married in Omaha, Nebraska on June 3, 1945. They were blessed with seven children: Bonnie Mae, Kenneth Luther, John Arnold, Patty Ann, Mary Jean, Shirley Sue, and Carl Leroy. In addition to working alongside her husband throughout their marriage, she was a devoted mother and wife.

Darlene’s creativity and imagination were apparent as shown through her painting, quilting, sewing, crocheting, cooking, and writing skills all very much appreciated by her family. She enjoyed word puzzles along with her American Indian and Sunbonnet Sue collections. Darlene created and designed historical costumes for the Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. She also designed clothing for her children, dolls, and quilts.

She found great pleasure in listening to music, dancing with her children, finding a humorous side in everyday happenings, and sharing her love of reading with her children.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband James Clark Collett on April 5, 1989; two sons, Kenneth Luther Collett and John Arnold Collett and one daughter Shirley Sue (Collett) Fischer; a brother, Nathan Butcher.

Darlene is survived by daughters Bonnie (Jasper) Rexroad, Harrisonville, MO, Patty Collett (Bowlin), Houston, TX, Mary (Mike) Roselli, Blue Springs, MO and one son Carl (Linda) Collett, Moscow Mills, MO; eleven grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Cremation. A private family inurnment will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, Missouri.

Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.