Darlene McMillen

Darlene McMillen

Darlene McMillen Obituary

Visit the Arkansas Cremation website to view the full obituary.

Darlene "Deanie" McMillen of Bluff City, Arkansas passed peacefully on March 16, 2026. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing she is now at rest in the arms of Jesus.

Deanie was born on January 30th, 1957 in Hope, Arkansas to J.D. and Mildred McMillen. Deanie was a loving and devoted partner and mother whose life was a reflection of strength and unwavering love. She faced life challenges with courage and grace. She found great joy in her deep love for animals throughout life. She also enjoyed being outside and gardening, however her greatest blessing was her family. 

She is survived by her life partner of 25 years, Ronald McKelvy; two daughters, Jesse Carvlin of Hope and Katy Herron, and her husband Greg Herron, of Hot Springs; seven grandchildren,  Micah McMillen-Bickerstaff, Lilah McMillen, Brayden McKelvy, Kylen Bittle, Britton Stone, Ayla Carvlin, and Ethan Herron; and great- grandchild, Coraline Barton; her sister, Jeri Hansen and her husband, Mike Hansen of Hot Springs; and sister-in-law Debbie McMillen of Delight.

She was preceded in death by her parents, J.D. and Mildred McMillen, her brother, Kenny McMillen, and her sister, Betty Sue McMillen, who welcomed her with open arms into Heaven.

A memorial service will be held on March 28th, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. located at 401 South Washington Street in Hope, Arkansas.

Though she is no longer with us her love will remain forever in our hearts. We find peace in knowing we will see her again.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.

www.arkansascremation.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Arkansas Cremation

10515 W. Markham Suite B1, Little Rock, AR 72205

Make a Donation
in Darlene McMillen's name

How to support Darlene's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Darlene McMillen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more