Darlene Kay Speth
July 7, 1937 ~ May 23, 2020
Darlene Kay (Johnson) Speth, 82, died Saturday, May 23, 2020, with her family by her side in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
No service will be held at this time. Rather, please raise a glass of chardonnay and toast the amazing person Darlene was. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your favorite charity in her honor.
Darlene Kay Johnson was born July 7, 1937, in Heron Lake, Minnesota to William and Josephine (Newcomer) Johnson. She graduated high school in Wilder, Minnesota and shortly after married Robert (Bob) Speth. Darlene and Bob were married for 63 years. Darlene spent much of her career in retail, working for Horwitz Jewelers and Dayton-Hudson while living in Sioux Falls.
Darlene was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children
and embraced every moment with them. She continued that role with her
grandchildren—doting on them best she could from across the country. She was
incredibly kind, generous, and compassionate—willing to do anything for anyone.
She loved making salsa and pickles with her husband. She dared not show up
without a bag of party mix or sugar cookies when visiting her friends and
family. Other interests included visiting her siblings and in-laws, playing
games, reading and traveling to Oregon and California to visit her children and
grandchildren.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Bob; two children, Tim (Inge) Speth, and
Brenda; two grandchildren who she simply adored, Jenna (Rich), and Natalie; two
brothers, Larry (Marilyn) Johnson, and Daryl; sister, Sharon (Alan); and her
many nephews and nieces. All of these she loved and touched deeply.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father.
We am very sorry for your loss. Great memories of all of the family gatherings over the years. Darlene was always so kind and interested in what was going on in everyone’s lives. She was also very proud of her children and grandchildren and adored them. She will be missed!
There are no words to comfort you during this time but know you are all loved and cared about deeply. The photo captures those smiling eyes that I will never forget! Hope all your memories help you cope!!!
love Denise