Darlene Joyce (Nelson) Whitmore was born on a small farm near Audubon, Iowa on December 25, 1925, the daughter of Martin T. and Nora (McGee) Nelson. Darlene was the third of five daughters. Darlene entered into eternal peace on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 in Omaha, Nebraska.

On April 21, 1951 Darlene was united in marriage to Wayne Wendell Whitmore. The couple was later blessed with three children; Janice Noreen, Wayne Leslie "W.L." and Chad Wendell. Darlene was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Darlene was a hard working farmwife and mother. She enjoyed tending to her large gardens, baking, canning, cooking three square meals a day and making sure everyone was cared for, before doing for herself. She had a passion for life and loved to laugh, sing and tease. In the last few years of her life, she rediscovered her talent for drawing and spent many hours at her drawing desk with colored pencils and pastels.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband Wayne of Coin, Iowa; children; Janice Whitmore of Allenspark, Colorado, W.L. Whitmore of Friona, Texas and Chad Whitmore and wife Susan of Thedford, Nebraska; grandchildren; Erin Whipp of Missoula, Montana, Marc Whipp of Nederland, Colorado and Kyle Whitmore of Friona, Texas; "Adopted Family" Jim and Mary Rine and their children Amy, Andy, and Jacob of Coin, Iowa; sister Robina Almquist and husband Elvin of Exira, Iowa; other relatives and friends.

Darlene will be deeply missed. She will always be remembered for her positive outlook, her friendliness and ready smile. She gave her children and grandchildren a legacy of love.