OAKWOOD – Darlene R. Howard, 79, of Oakwood, passed away at 3:53 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at the Laurels of Defiance. She was born April 13, 1945, in Delphos to the late Lloyd and Leona (Purdy) Butler. On Nov. 14, 1968, she married Jerry Howard, who survives in Oakwood.
Darlene is also survived by two children: Karen Howard-Schwiebert of Ayersville, and Bryan (Lisa) Howard of Defiance; five grandchildren: Robert (Olivia) Schwiebert of Ft. Wayne, IN., Jesse (Courtney) Schwiebert of Huntertown, Alisha Mays of Grand Rapids, Katlin (Marcus) Krendl of Charloe, and Levi (Jody) Bradford of Defiance; seven great-grandchildren; siblings: Lloyd (Barb) Butler, Don Butler, both of Continental, Beverly Agner of Oakwood, Marilyn Butler and Sue (Art) Haehn, both of Delphos.
She is preceded in death by sisters: Betty Butler, Patty Butler, Phyllis (Ira) Beair, and Carol (James) Barnhart; a sister-in-law: Ima Butler; and a brother-in-law: Russell Agner.
Darlene was a hard-working woman who enjoyed years of employment at Paradise Oaks, Cloverdale and later retiring from the Meadows of Kalida. She loved the summers at Woodbridge Campground where she camped for over 40 years.
Throughout the years she accompanied her husband while he entertained people with his gift of music. Many memories were made with her son and his family while attending the drag races at Norwalk. You could always find her and her daughter chatting away and sipping coffee at their favorite coffee shops. She looked forward to vacationing, visiting casinos and going on bus trips with family and friends. Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a sure way to put a smile on her face. She is forever deeply loved and will be missed by all.
The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Oakwood with Rev. Terry Porter officiating. Burial will follow in Monroe Cemetery, Continental. A visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Monday and again on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Paulding Humane Society or Friends of Felines, Defiance.
Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com
