Cover photo for Dolores Jerene Darlington's Obituary
Dolores Jerene Darlington Profile Photo
1930 Dolores 2023

Dolores Jerene Darlington

August 24, 1930 — January 18, 2023

Marshall

Our mother, Dolores Jerene Darlington, 92, of Battle Creek, passed away on January 19, 2023 in her home surrounded by her children.

Dolores was born on August 24, 1930 to George and Anna (Anderson) Stephens in Bena, MN. She grew up in Bemidji and graduated from St. Philip High School. She moved to Battle Creek in her early 20’s and on January 4, 1955, she married Ronald K Darlington. They were a handsome couple both having red hair and brown eyes. Together they raised five red-haired children. Mom said we were like Garrison Keillor’s fictional Lake Wobegon families, “Where the women are strong, the men are good looking and all the children were above average,” and we believed her. Ronald preceded her in death February 21, 2002.

Dolores is survived by two daughters, Nanette Brown, Lorraine (Paul) Swafford and two sons, John (Barbara) Darlington and Richard (Donna) Darlington; eleven grandchildren; and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Sisters Alice Vickery and Kathy Lindahl (Al), and cousin Kay Lynn Courter (Greg) and many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by husband, Ronald Kenneth Darlington; her son, Ronald Darlington. Parents, George and Anna Stephens and three brothers, George, Arnold and James Stephens,

We were very fortunate to have a stay-at-home mother. She nurtured us, loved us unconditionally and was the prayer warrior for all of us. Even the great-grands knew who to go to for intercessory prayer. She was the best mother for us.

A special thank you to friends and neighbors, Denese and Jon Hazel who helped and watched over her. Blanche Wilson neighbor of 40 years. Dr James Maher and the Oaklawn Hospice Team who made her last months at home comfortable.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 3, 2023, 12 pm - 1 pm at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015, where a memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. Deacon Al Bell will officiate the service and private interment will take place in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be given in her name to the Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries or Haven of Rest Ministries. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave condolences for the family. For assistance with memorials please visit the funeral home.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dolores Jerene Darlington, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, February 3, 2023

12:00 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services

2838 Capital Avenue Southwest, Battle Creek, MI 49015

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Friday, February 3, 2023

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services

2838 Capital Avenue Southwest, Battle Creek, MI 49015

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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