Darlene Nash Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Darlene grew up in Marion and graduated from Marion High School. A natural beauty, inside and out, Darlene was her high school's Homecoming Queen and the Corn Queen of the Marion Festival Days. When the country schools closed, Darlene became the first, first-grade teacher at the original school building for Marion Rural Schools, now known as Linn-Mar. She was nineteen years old. She later received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Coe College, where she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. She continued to teach in Marion for 30 years, retiring in 1992.
Darlene married Frank "Hank'" W. Nash on November 26, 1951. They were married for 49 years until he died in 2000. After reconnecting at a high school reunion, she married Donald "Don" Deacon in 2002.
Mrs. Nash was a lifetime member of Marion Christian Church and served there in many capacities. She was a past member of the Musical Literary Club, the Sorosis Club, the Fidelis Circle of International Kings Daughters and Sons, where she served as president, and a member of P.E.O., Chapter K J.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Hank, second husband Don, and brother, Melvin Meggers.
Darlene will be remembered for her steadfast faith and her gift of making beauty all around her. A loving and devoted mother and grandmother, Darlene, is survived by her sons Michael (Jaye) Nash of Marion, Iowa, and David (Ruth) Nash of Norwalk, Iowa; her nine grandchildren Tim (Kate) Nash of Cedar Rapids, Iowa Laura (Eric) Rymarz of Denver, Colorado, Paul Nash of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Claire Nash of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kate Nash of Des Moines, Iowa, Evan Nash of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Emily (Rich) Dotson, of Fort Worth, Texas, Rebecca (Dirk) Lindaman of Ankeny, Iowa, and Elizabeth (Samuel) Copeland of Overland Park, Kansas; nine greatgrandchildren; and her nieces and nephews Joanne (Ron) Bailey, Kathy (Tom) Davis, and Jim (Chris) Meggers.
Visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on Thursday, July 24th, where the family will greet friends and relatives from 5-8 PM. Services will be held at Marion Christian Church, 1050 McGowan Blvd., on Friday, July 25th at 11:00 AM. A burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held at Marion Christian Church.
Memorial gifts may be given in Darlene's honor to Marion Christian Church, 1050 McGowan Blvd., Marion, Iowa, 52302.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Marybelle Luckason
August 16, 2025
Darlene was my neighbor. She was a beautiful lady in every way. Our condo would have coffee once a month, and she was already for coffee with friendship.
Even though I only knew her for a couple of years, I consider her a friend. I miss her, and will think of her climbing the flight of stairs to her condo, laughing at coffees sharing memories of her past. We shared watermelon, and danish,or just a talk, my heart still loves my neighbors story's.
Mrs. Nash was a true sweet lady!
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Linda Longerbeam Magnuson
July 23, 2025
Darlene was my first grade teacher at Marion Rural Independent School in 1950. She was beautiful with long auburn hair and a beautiful smile. 20 years later she was my daughter Paula's kindergarten teacher. My daughter loved her so much and remembers her hugs she gave to the little ones. We were both surprised when I went to school for conference and found out she was my Miss Meggers from 20 years earlier. She was one of the sweetest and down to earth ladies I ever met. You as her family were blessed. Linda Longerbeam Magnuson
Joyce (Harold) Hutchins
July 22, 2025
Dear Mike and David,
I am saddened to learn of Darlene´s passing. We send our sincere sympathy and hugs to you at this difficult time. We remember Darlene with love as she graduated from MHS with my sister, Donna Jeane Kolda, and was our beloved Peter´s kindergarten teacher at Starry. She was his only teacher and the first person to visit us following Peter´s death. She was a longtime friend and a beloved P.E.O. sister in chapter K J. She will be missed by so many. You were blessed to call her "Mom".
Sincerely,
Joyce (Harold) Hutchins
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
4200 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Make a Donation
in Darlene Nash's name
People and places connected with Darlene
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Darlene's loved ones
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
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
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 moreWays to honor Darlene Nash's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
