Darlene Howell

1934 - 2025

Darlene Tippets Howell

1934 - 2025

- Our dear sweet mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Darlene Tippets Howell, returned to her Heavenly Home on May 11, 2025 to the loving embrace of her husband, parents, four brothers (James, Dewayne, Lynn, and Ralph) and many other awaiting loved ones who preceded her. She was a true light, radiating love and kindness, always prioritizing others' well-being over her own. Her mission in life was to serve her Savior, her family, and those around her. She possessed no envy or guile and was truly blessed with the gift of charity.

Darlene was born on November 21, 1934 to Miriam Mair Tippets and James Andrew Tippets in a Union Pacific railroad depot in Pegram, ID. Her early childhood was spent in similar remote outposts in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada, where she developed a selfless, strong, resilient, and optimistic personality with a determination to make the best of any situation, and to lighten the load of others. After many moves, her family purchased a home on "J" Street in the Avenues when she was a teenager. She graduated from West High. She was an accomplished writer with a passion for poetry, and memorized numerous poems. Despite her memory decline in her later years, she could still recite many of them. She attended LDS Business College, where she met her eternal love of 62 years, Eldon DeLoy Howell, (deceased) on a blind date. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on June 14, 1955.

The couple purchased their beloved Rose Park home in 1957. That provided an idyllic backdrop for raising her four sons (Brian, Mark, Dean, and Darrin) and daughter (Shelley) and also provided many opportunities to serve in the Church and community. Her home was the gathering place for friends and family, where she often hosted parties, and held a weekly ladies' luncheon for many, many years. From her kitchen she produced hundreds of loaves of sitfa (correct name and spelling of this family heirloom specialty Swiss bread is unknown – likely zopf) and countless batches of peanut brittle to distribute to neighbors and friends, especially at Christmas.

As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Darlene loved her Savior and was a valiant servant of Jesus Christ throughout her life. She served in positions of leadership in the Young Women and Relief Society organizations in her ward and stake and used her gifts of leadership and organization in leading many large stake and regional events. She was a gifted speaker and delivered talks at firesides, EFY and at other events on the right to life throughout the Salt Lake and Utah valleys, including at BYU. Darlene and DeLoy served together on a regional interfaith committee where her natural ability to relate to all people endeared her to the broader faith community. They also served as a missionary couple at the Joseph Smith Building.

Darlene worked two decades at the Ear, Nose, & Throat clinic, where she was the office manager. She was a valued employee, manager, and welcoming face to patients.

Her family was her focus and love. She provided endless support to her children in their varied interests and passions, and no matter their successes or failings gave unwavering and unconditional love. Her faith, love, humor and wit, and boundless energy provided a sure foundation and anchor for her children. If there was a gathering or happening, that is where she wanted to be. She hated saying goodbye and would follow you down the driveway waving until you were no longer in sight. She didn't want to miss out on even a second with her beloved family, and such was the way she departed this life.

Her eternal family are: husband Eldon DeLoy Howell (deceased); four sons: Brian (Jeanne Roblez (deceased) and children Ben and Tess); Mark (Kaori Inomata (deceased)) and children Marcus and Andrew); Dean (Cassy Wong (divorced) and children Heili and Bryton); Darrin (MaryJoy Ballantyne and children Sarah, Eve, James, and Miriam); and daughter Shelley (Dave Saxton (divorced) and children Jorden, Chase (deceased), and Breeanne).

We will all miss her dearly, but as she would say, "it is now our task to march forward, serving others. . ." which is what she is very likely now doing.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Federal Heights Ward, 1300 East Fairfax Road, Salt Lake City. There will be a visitation from 12:30 to 1:15 pm prior to the services. Interment will be in the Farmington City Cemetery.