84
October 9
Sioux Falls
Darlene Ann Suitor was born on September 25, 1936, in Bloomfield, Neb., to Jesse James and Frieda Orilla (Beach) Howard. She was raised and received her education in Bloomfield. Darlene made her home in Sioux Falls in the early 1970s and began working at Youth Enrichment Services where she was affectionately known at “Grandma Dar”. She spent over 38 years at Y.E.S and loved taking care of all the children, especially teaching them crafts.
Following her retirement, Darlene then took care of her mother in Sioux Falls until her passing in 2002.
Darlene was united in marriage with her soulmate, Raymond James Suitor, on July 14, 2001, at St. John’s American Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. The couple made their home in Sioux Falls.
Darlene loved riding her motorcycle, especially making the annual voyage to Sturgis for the rally with Raymond. She was a gifted musician, teaching herself how to play the piano and organ. She enjoyed playing bingo, making crafts, crocheting and dancing. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and her friends. Darlene, or “Shorty” by her family, was a loving wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be dearly missed.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Raymond J. Suitor of Sioux Falls; three children, Allen Joseph (Sherrie) Barnes, Irene, Tamara Barnes, Rapid City and Tricia (Forrest) Smith, Humboldt; four stepdaughters, Michelle (John) Simon, Omaha, Neb., Helen (DJ) Blumhoff, Sioux Falls, Wendi (Chris) Hogan, Harrisburg and Pamela (Byron) Hanson, Aberdeen; 48 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; half-sister, Donna Joslin and a host of other relatives and friends.
Darlene was preceded in death by her father, Jesse James Howard; mother, Frieda Doering; stepfather, Walter Doering; two sons, Steven and Randy Barnes; two stepdaughters, Sandi Gagnon and Jackie Sichmeller and one brother, Orval Howard.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.
Arrangements provided by George Boom Funeral Home.