Obituary for Marlene Ruth Darby

Marlene Ruth Darby, 90, of Des Moines, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Bishop Drumm Retirement center in Johnston, Iowa.  

Marlene was born on September 28, 1931, in Chariton, Iowa, the daughter of Ellis Clifford and Anna Louise (Ansley) Graves. On September 1, 1950, she married William Wood Darby (Bill) in Des Moines, Iowa. The couple spent 66 wonderful years together.  She was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. She was kind, positive, happy, social and caring. She loved to cook, clean, sing, shop, do needlework and garden, and especially loved being a mother.  She was active in her church, sold Avon, volunteered at the Polls, and at Blank and Methodist Hospitals.  She is survived by her children Cyndy and Britt Darby, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Bill and recently her son Michael. She will be missed and remembered by many.  She has left us with many memories and gifts.

Please join us for a Celebration of Marlene’s life, May 7, 1pm at Glen Echo Christian Church, Des Moines.

Donations in her honor for Glen Echo Church, Bishop Drumm or Unity Point Hospice are welcome.