Darlene Marie Teller

Darlene Marie Teller, 1922 - 2023
Des Moines

Darlene Teller, age 101, passed away August 11, 2023. During her long and extraordinary life, Darlene experienced incredible changes in her world. In her teens, Darlene was the first female newspaper carrier in Sioux City. In the 1940’s, Darlene served as one of the legendary “Rosie the Riveter” defense plant workers of WWII. Darlene was a devoted homemaker and wife to her husband Charlie before his passing, and afterwards balanced life as a tireless single mother to her four children and a career at Bank of America.

Darlene was a long-time congregant of Vine Street Gospel Chapel in Des Moines, and a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be remembered for her sharp wit and humor, even in her later years.

Born in Oto, Iowa to Iona and Henry Diment in 1922, Darlene married Charles Jessie Teller in 1941, who preceded her in death in 1964. Also preceding Darlene in death were her mother Iona Diment, daughter Beverly Mullins, son Stephen Teller, and grandson Charles Lozano.

Darlene is survived by her children Dawn (Dave) Musgrove and Ronald (Sharon) Teller and daughter-in-law Michele Teller. Her surviving grandchildren are Matthew Musgrove, Benjamin Mullins, Abigail (Hadley) Henderson, Bernadette (Nick) Glory, Ansley (Anthony) Watson and Heidi (Throi) Vilchez. Her surviving great-grandchildren are Grayson, Everett, and Presley Henderson, Benjamin and Maile Glory, Timothy, Louisa, Anthony and Leonides Watson, and Mila and Oliver Vilchez.

Darlene placed others before herself throughout her life, was well- and widely-loved, and will be dearly missed.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the staff of Ramsey Village for the love, compassion and tender care they gave to Darlene during her eleven years in residence.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, August 18 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines. There will be a brief visitation 30 minutes before the funeral service.

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