Darlene M Story

1936 - 2025

Darlene M. Story, 88, of Bonaparte, Iowa, passed away at 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at the Country Lane Manner in Keosauqua, Iowa.

She was born on May 30, 1936 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Harry E. and Stella (Bentzinger) Roland. On August 14, 1954, she married Gene "Curly" Story in Fort Madison, Iowa. He preceded her in death on December 30, 2010.

Survivors include two sons: John Story and Mark (May) Story both of Bonaparte, Iowa; two daughters: Wanda (Kevin) Clemenson of Keosauqua, Iowa and Guy Ann Eastin of Farmington, Iowa; grandsons Travis and Eric Eastin, Seth Logsdon and Quentin Story; granddaughters Rachel Bartholomew, Randi Shriver, Kayla Scheuers, Amy Dunlay and Tessa Ronning; great grandchildren Max Shriver, Malik Huntington, Mason, Griffin and Julia Eastin, Ava and Judson Dunlay, Lucy Ronning and Vivienne Logsdon; sisters Donna Hendricks of Keokuk and Delores Beach of Wever; half brothers Bill, Partick, Lloyd Roland and half sisters Mary and Marta Roland.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Curly; daughter Teresa Story; step mother Polly Roland, brother Dean Roland and grandson-in-law Brandon Huntington.
Darlene was affectionately known as Grandma Great to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Darlene graduated from Farmington High School in 1954. In 1958 Gene and Darlene moved to the Story Family Farm, established by Gene's Grandpa Story in 1869, South of Bonaparte. Gene and Darlene lived together in the original farmhouse until Gene passed in 2010. With the help of her children, grandchildren, neighbors and many family friends, Darlene was able to stay on the family farm until July 2024.
In addition to helping Curly with the farm, she also worked many different jobs outside the home. Ward's Cafe, Bonaparte Retreat, Fairfield Glove Factory, Riverside Plastics, Pratts Tavern and Denly's Quick Mart were among those places that Darlene spent time working, making friends and telling her somewhat questionable jokes.

Throughout her lifetime, the Story pond was always a special place to watch her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow and enjoy life. Not to mention, the neighbors, friends and numerous Busch Lights that found their way to the pond as well. "What Happens at the pond stays at the pond"

The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday April 6, 2025 at the Thompson Cemetery, rural Bonaparte with Lee McIntosh officiating.

Burial will be in Thompson Cemetery, rural Bonaparte, Iowa

A celebration of life will be held at the Farmington Legion following the graveside service, where a light meal will be served.

In lieu of flowers memorials has been established in her memory for Indian Lake Park in Farmington or Bonaparte Community Improvement Association "the old Bonaparte School". Memorials can be mailed to the family at 800 Division Street, Keosauqua, Iowa 52565.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.