Darlene Francis Herring
January 06, 2014
Darlene Francis Herring, one of five children born to Edgar P. Hill and Ruby Hill in Valley Junction, West Des Moines, IA.
Darlene started her career in dancing and acrobatics (contortionist) at an early age. She traveled to New York and lived in Greenwich Village for awhile where she pursued her dancing career. She hobnobbed with some of the great actors and dancers of the 40’s and 50’s. She was even an opening act for the singer Kate Smith and danced with Fred Astaire. Darlene had many stories to tell. She performed in the USO during WWII and met a “Navy Man”, M. Herring, married, and had five children. Early on in the marriage she became the sole parent.
Darlene’s life has always been a hard one, but all who knew her can agree that even though she could be over-determined, she was a survivor because of her determination. In fact, Darlene even survived being struck by two buses and two car accidents.
Grandma Darlene loved spending time and babysitting all her many grandchildren. Even though there were many, she knew and loved them all. She always had a present in one of her bags for them. Her sense of humor was like no other, she made people laugh without even trying. Christmas was always eventful with her around. The gifts she gave were always the most unusual, unexpected surprises.
Even when Darlene lost her ability to speak clearly the last few years, she could still give you a piece of her mind and let you know her opinions. She was a strong, determined woman to the end.
Darlene’s love of animals was never ending. She was a great advocate for animal rights and had numerous cats and dogs over the years. She never turned one away (even neighbor’s pets). Her empathy for others was very evident all through her life. She would give the shirt off her back to another – even if that shirt was a gift to her from someone else. She will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her son, Thomas E. Herring; her parents, Edgar P. and Ruby Hill; sister, Virginia Julich; and her brothers, Danny and James Hill.
Darlene is survived by her daughters, Marlene Kearns, Barbara Zaglauer, Marsha Perez, and Valerie Cacciatore; her sister, Shirley Robinson; 15 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Darlene was cremated. A private family service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Animal Rescue League in Darlene’s honor.
Ronnie Turner
05/02/2014
Sorry to hear about your mom passing. She was a very special person and a important part of my life. It was a great honor to know her.
MitchellVillage Care Center
01/23/2014
Darlene is missed by all who were honored enough to know her. She is truly an angel.
Getty
01/10/2014
I have the fondest memories of your mom. She was one of a kind, with a very large heart. I believe she left something of herself with every person she had touched in her life. I have thought of her often throughout the years. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Ann Marts
01/10/2014
To Darlene's Family,
Your mother was a wonderful friend to my mother, Isabel Marts. They had so many good times together back in the day.
Please accept my sincerest sympathy on Darlene's death.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Marts
Barb
01/10/2014
Well Mom,
No more pain. You can now walk, talk, hear and eat. I know you are doing cartwheels and probably walking on your hands with your legs over your head like you did when we were kids..You can have your favorite spaghetti and meatballs again, with no heartburn and of course your chips and dip. You loved your chips and dip.A few tips, if there are any motorized vehicles in heaven you might want to stay clear given your past history. I will miss you
Tom Leffler
01/10/2014
Valerie, Judy (Anderson) and I were sorry to see the notice of Darlene's passing. Judy knew her through food service on the streets of Des Moines. What a bright personality she had.
She was a strong woman, and I'm sure you got your strength from her. We hope you are finding peace.
Sherry & Herb Waddell
01/09/2014
Sincere sympathy to Darlene's family. She was a very special
lady.
Robin
01/09/2014
Grandma, you were so kind and compassionate. Brianna get's that from you. I will miss you so much. Some of my favorite memories of are of the times when we would spend the night and go to the movies and the Howard Johnson to swim. And of course your bag of "purties". I am so glad that you are now with Tommy, and that now you can dance again. I just know you are doing "the swim" up there. I love you.
Dodie
01/09/2014
Darlene, you were one unique woman. Your facial expressions were priceless. I have so enjoyed hearing stories of you and visiting with you over the years. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Chaplain Jean Beckwith
01/09/2014
I miss seeing and visiting with Darlene. She was at most of our services, singing hymns. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janie Rickord
01/08/2014
Valerie and Family, please know that we are thinking of you at this time of great loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting your mom, but the wonderful stories I have heard from you Valerie, and Marilyn and Patty are priceless! May happy memories help you and your family during this very sad time. God Bless
Kathie
01/08/2014
I miss you grandma. My love and compassion for animals comes from you and my mom and dad. I love you and will always cherish you. Love Kathie
Marilyn B.
01/08/2014
To Darlenes family: My deepest sympathy, the loss of the last surviving parent is a tough one indeed!Valerie and I reminisced last eve, in the end we shared more great stories than we did tears...Darlene lifted the hearts of many she touched and the fact that she could befriend just about anyone was one of her best attributes! I'm sure she was met with open arms by family that preceded her! Surely Heaven is celebrating her entrance tonight! Darlene, thank you for making us laugh and smile, and for the many Christmas' spent with you and your family! Rest in peace sweet lady, your hard work is done! 0- : ) xoxo
marsha
01/08/2014
i miss you mom Thank you for all the memories you left with us
.
every Christmas gifts for everyone
sitting on the porch watching fireworks, gong to movies, bingo and to the slot machine you always won
you might of had a bad hip but you turn around and you were gone playing the nickle slots and that Indian chief that kiss you, most of all are trips to the fair, how you loved to dance you put everyone to shame your my dancing queen , i know your dancing up there now bringing laughter to the kingdom. you gave every bit of yourself to the homeless ,animals, everyone you meant and to your family of all different cultures without judgement
love you mom your a legend
Marlene
01/08/2014
I miss you mom I still remember you dancing away at Cliff's wedding, looking for the meatballs at Kathie's wedding, and throwing small soft dry dog food instead of rice at Joey's wedding. Even tho you were not able to be at Laura, wedding, you were there in spirit, The great grandkids were always excited about your Christmas gifts because they never knew what the packages contained