Darlene A. Heronema, 80, Hays, died Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Ellis Good Samaritan Society.
She was born June 11, 1941, in Victoria, the daughter of Frank J. and Catherine E. (Wittman) Dreiling. In 1959, she graduated from Victoria High School as salutatorian of her class. On May 30, 1964, she he was united in marriage to LeRoy J. Heronema in Victoria, and they celebrated nearly 45 years of marriage before he died on February 19, 2009. For many years she had a daycare in her home and then worked at K-Mart until it closed. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and enjoyed puzzle books, watching classic TV shows like The Andy Griffith Show and Little House on the Prairie, and the Game Show Network. Darlene enjoyed a tasty red beer, casino trips, and was the life of the party who relished time with her friends and family.
Survivors include her son: William Heronema of Hays, two daughters: Vicki LaBarge and husband Kevin of Ellis and Sherri Flagor and husband Jack of Hays, a brother: Norman Dreiling of Pottsboro, TX, a sister: Kathleen Dreiling and husband Marvin of Hays, five grandchildren: Chelsea Heronema, Joshua Adcock, Justin Adcock, Brianna LaBarge, and Dacia LaBarge, a step granddaughter: Kristin Millard, a great grandson: Oliver Adcock-Smies, a step great granddaughter: Rylee Millard, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband LeRoy, three brothers: Erwin, Francis, and Melvin Dreiling, and two sisters: Aletha McDowell and Norma Dreiling.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 10, 2022, at St. Joseph Church with Fr. Richard Daise officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Thursday and from 1:00 pm until 1:45 on Friday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Hospice of HaysMed. Condolences and memories of Darlene may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com