Rose Darlene Brown

Rose Darlene Peterson was born on April 15, 1937, to Peter Daniel "Bus" Peterson and Tina Belle Downing. She spent 80 of her 87 years in Lima and passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024.

Darlene attended Lima public schools through the 8th grade and was a lifelong member of Lima Community Church. She always cherished the dream of becoming a wife and mother. On March 8, 1953, she married Charles E. Brown at the Knox Ranch, east of Dell. Their firstborn, Thomas William Brown, was born on July 20 but tragically lived only a few hours. The family grew to include three daughters, Glynis Lee, Tina Arlene, and Robin Kim, and a son, Daniel Charles.

Charles and Darlene enjoyed 35 years of marriage before Charles passed away on January 2, 1988. In 1989, Darlene proudly earned her GED. She discovered a passion for writing poetry and also loved quilting.

Darlene shared nearly 30 years with her longtime friend and companion, Gene Hildreth, until his passing in 2017.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bus and Tina Peterson; her husband, Charles; her infant son, Thomas; her granddaughter, Tawnya Lynn; her sisters, Mable Belle Allen, Tina "Genrose" Jolley, Lavera Grace, McKenzie Kalsher; and her sons-in-laws, Jack Bell and Bucky Johnson.

Darlene is survived by her children: Glynis Bell, Tina (David) Iverson, Robin Johnson, and Daniel (Debbie) Brown; eleven grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Darlene's legacy of love, for God, poetry, and quilts will be cherished by all who knew her.