Darlene Runge

Darlene Ruby Runge (Dethrow) born November 24, 1932, passed away October 8, 2024, in St. Louis, MO following a short illness. She was surrounded by many members of her family.

Darlene is survived by her loving daughters, Kathy (husband Allen), Lisa (partner Eric), Debra (wife Kathy), and son Michael (wife Beth). She will be missed by her 12 adoring grandchildren: Jennifer, Julie, Kelly, Tom, Mickey, Robbie, Kenny, Mikey, Jeremy, Daniel, Chris, Lisa plus numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Darlene is preceded in death by her husband of many years, Jim; and by her daughters, Pamela and Michelle; and son, Brian. They all wait to greet her in Heaven.

She is also survived by numerous long-time friends including special, life-long friends notably the Hoormann and McMahon Families.

Darlene was born in Chester, IL. to parents Laura & William Dethrow. After marrying Jim, they relocated to Wood River, IL. and soon started a family. Following many years of dedicated child-raising, Darlene returned to school and graduated as a licensed Practical Nurse. She found many fulfilling years as a nurse until her retirement at which time she was able to commit additional time to be with her family.

After the death of her long-time husband, Darlene was excited to move into a 55+ community where she found leisure time for cocktails, cards and patrolling the park with her “Parkside Scooter Patrol” friends.

Equally important to Darlene was her faith and membership at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team (as evidenced by her extensive collection of Cardinal’s memorabilia).

Please join the family of Darlene for visitation, this Friday, October 11, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m., at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Burial will follow at Ellis Grove Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Bethalto Boys and Girls Club.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home