Darlene Elizabeth (Harris) Ashby

Darlene Elizabeth (Harris) Ashby, 89, of Auburn passed away August 30, 2022 at Arcadia Care Auburn.

Darlene was born April 1, 1933, to Sarah Elizabeth and Grover Cleveland Harris near Palmyra, Illinois. Her husband, Donald, passed two days before. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, James Rice Harris, Kenneth Harris, Carroll Harris; her sister, Elma (Harris) Finch; and her children, Donna Elaine (Ashby) McBride, David Eugene Ashby, and Dana Emily Ashby.

She attended Northwestern High School and married her high school sweetheart, Donald Eugene Ashby September 18, 1950.  Darlene and Donald raised their four children in Auburn, Illinois, where they lived for 65 years.  The couple traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and Canada.  Upon retirement they drove the Alaska highway and vacationed throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean.  Darlene devoted herself to her family and her church. She was also an avid gardener and reader of a wide range of literature.  Darlene and Donald dedicated several years volunteering for Bereaved Parents, editing the Springfield-Jacksonville area newsletter and assisting with monthly meetings.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Dianne Ashby and son-in-law Jack Lockman; granddaughters, Kerry Ray and Sarah McBride; great granddaughters, Kelley-Marie Aubuchon, Brooke Kronenberger, Kristen Kronenberger, Rebecca McBride; and great great grandson, Mark Wieberg. 

Darlene will be long held in the hearts of the Ashby and Harris families and her many friends.  May she rest in heavenly peace. 

A graveside service will be held at 11am, Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at Auburn Cemetery for Darlene and her husband, Donald with Rev. Daniel Hopper officiating.  Following the services, a lunch will be held at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, 62704.

Memorials may be made to Bereaved Parents of Springfield Illinois, PO Box 914, Springfield, IL 62705.

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