1969
Darlene
2012
Darlene Ashby
December 31, 1969 — April 18, 2012
Darlene Ashby, age 78, of Thomson, Illinois, died Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at home. Her passing came very unexpectedly, as she had been outdoors enjoying a beautiful spring morning earlier in the day. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 24 at the Thomson United Methodist Church, Thomson, Illinois. Pastor Paul Fritz will officiate with burial at Lower York Cemetery, Thomson. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 23, 2012 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Thomson.
Darlene Houzenga was born at home in Fulton, Illinois to Bert and Anna (Buikema) Houzenga on December 2, 1933. She married Fay Ashby in Morrison, Illinois on September 9, 1952.
Darlene was a hard-working woman. During the course of raising her six children she worked at the Garment Factory in Clinton, Iowa and tended produce and Christmas tree stands in her front yard along the highway in Thomson. She also mowed and maintained facilities at the Thomson Causeway and Lock & Dam 13. But the job that made Darlene known as, “that nice lady with the big smile” was her job behind the cash register at the Savanna Pamida Store. For over 20 years, Darlene greeted Pamida customers with an always present cheerfulness. She also worked the line at Swiss Colony in Savanna and could still be seen on a tractor, helping with the family mowing business.
Nothing made Darlene happier than time spent with friends and family. She simply loved other people, and her laughter could always be heard in a crowd. Serving family dinners on Sundays and holidays , summer trips with her daughters to visit Fay’s sister in Indiana, attending grandchildren’s school and sporting events, bus trips with special friends, Emil and Rosie. These simple pleasures brought joy to Darlene’s life.
Darlene is survived and lovingly remembered by six children, Carolyn (Larry) Carroll, Sue (Dan) Richardson, Linda (Mike) Foltz, Martha (Ron) Bull, Jim (Lisa) Ashby, and Jeff (Jeanette) Ashby; 16 grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and 3 due later this year; two brothers, Bernard “Bun” (Frances) Houzengand Laverne (Sylvia) Houzenga; three sisters, Delores (Ervin) Stewart, Bernice (George) Kyarsgaard, Jean (Bob) Williams, Ardella Houzenga, two sisters in-law, Alice Houzenga and Darlene McCaughey; and and several nieces and nephews.
Darlene was preceded in death by her loving husband, Fay Ashby and her brother Clifford Houzenga.
Darlene Houzenga was born at home in Fulton, Illinois to Bert and Anna (Buikema) Houzenga on December 2, 1933. She married Fay Ashby in Morrison, Illinois on September 9, 1952.
Darlene was a hard-working woman. During the course of raising her six children she worked at the Garment Factory in Clinton, Iowa and tended produce and Christmas tree stands in her front yard along the highway in Thomson. She also mowed and maintained facilities at the Thomson Causeway and Lock & Dam 13. But the job that made Darlene known as, “that nice lady with the big smile” was her job behind the cash register at the Savanna Pamida Store. For over 20 years, Darlene greeted Pamida customers with an always present cheerfulness. She also worked the line at Swiss Colony in Savanna and could still be seen on a tractor, helping with the family mowing business.
Nothing made Darlene happier than time spent with friends and family. She simply loved other people, and her laughter could always be heard in a crowd. Serving family dinners on Sundays and holidays , summer trips with her daughters to visit Fay’s sister in Indiana, attending grandchildren’s school and sporting events, bus trips with special friends, Emil and Rosie. These simple pleasures brought joy to Darlene’s life.
Darlene is survived and lovingly remembered by six children, Carolyn (Larry) Carroll, Sue (Dan) Richardson, Linda (Mike) Foltz, Martha (Ron) Bull, Jim (Lisa) Ashby, and Jeff (Jeanette) Ashby; 16 grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and 3 due later this year; two brothers, Bernard “Bun” (Frances) Houzengand Laverne (Sylvia) Houzenga; three sisters, Delores (Ervin) Stewart, Bernice (George) Kyarsgaard, Jean (Bob) Williams, Ardella Houzenga, two sisters in-law, Alice Houzenga and Darlene McCaughey; and and several nieces and nephews.
Darlene was preceded in death by her loving husband, Fay Ashby and her brother Clifford Houzenga.
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