Darlene D. Denman, 87

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a cherished soul whose life touched many and whose legacy will endure through the memories of those who loved her. The journey of life, with its joys and tribulations, was met with unwavering grace, kindness, and integrity by our dearly departed mother, Darlene D. Denman (Blomseth, Westman) passed on August 6, 2025, surrounded by family & friends.   She was Sister to 2 siblings; Lynn & Gary, Mother to 4 children; Robyn (Steve), Rex, Russell (Melissa) & Ray, Nonie to 5 grandchildren; Megan, Jaclyn, Brianna, Spencer & Carson, Nonie D to 2 great grand kids; Adelyn & Asher, and Auntie Dee to many nieces & nephews.

Born in Chicago, our mother grew up surrounded by the love of family and the warmth of community. Her childhood was filled with curiosity and laughter, traits that would define her in the years to come. Family was always at the heart of her life, and she carried the values of compassion and generosity learned at home into every aspect of her journey.

Her family moved from Chicago to Crystal Lake in 1955 where she finished her senior year as a Crystal Lake Tiger and graduated in 1956, during those years she met Roy L. Westman (her first greatest love) and married in 1961 and then had 4 children, Robyn, Rex, Russell, & Ray.  Roy unexpectedly passed in 1969 and left a whole in her heart until God sent her another angel named Ray L. Denman (her second greatest love).  They met and were married in less than a year and he took all her 4 kids under his wing and helped shape us into the people we are today.  Ray L. passed in 2001, and her heart never recovered.  She filled her time with working on her house and collecting and making nick knacks.

She graduated from Elgin school of beauty in the mid 60’s and proceeded to have her own beauty shop that Roy built her in their lifelong home at 416 Blakey Street where she resided for 64 incredible years (her third greatest love).  We would hear stories of her doing woman’s hair at the same time the woman waiting would help with changing & watching us kids, were abundant in our later years as we would run into these women when we were older, it made us realize the joy she brought to so many just being around her.  She was always well dressed, hair done and her polished nails she was so proud of with her silver & turquoise rings.

After she was done with this part of her career, she started working across the street at the Woodstock memorial hospital and became a CNA and worked with her crew on third floor south for 12 years.

Beyond the scope of professional life, our mom was a person of many interests. Music, literature, travel, or the pleasure of a garden in bloom.  In her early years while Roy was enjoying his hobby driving cars at the Lake Geneva raceway, mom would drive in the woman’s Powder Puff races. 

She had a natural green thumb and enjoyed working outside and planting around the house.  She also had many plants inside all over ceiling ladders that Ray built for her, hanging over her fish tank, that she had for many years with larger Oscar fish in it.  She was a natural artist at heart and always was making or painting something that she could gift away, it made her happy.  She loved Turner Classic Movie channel and Gunsmoke and John Wayne even more, along with the house being full of anything with his image on it.  

She loved America and anything Red, White & Blue, very Patriotic.  She was on a bowling team at Waynes Lanes for many years and would enjoy trips with the team to out of town tournaments.  She was a chick of all trades and could do anything she set her mind to.

Throughout all her years she loved camping with family & friends.  She and Ray had 3 Rv’s over their 30 years together that they shared with all that wanted to go camping.  They also enjoyed 5 years of traveling across the surrounding states after dad’s retirement before he took ill and passed away.

For mom, family extended beyond blood relations to encompass all those welcomed into her heart. There were devoted parents, two loving siblings, and many steadfast friends. In moments of celebration and in times of sorrow, they were a source of comfort.  Gatherings were made brighter by their laughter, and challenges seemed less daunting in their presence. They knew the importance of togetherness, and their ability to nurture relationships remains an enduring gift to those who survive mom.

As we gather to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of our Mother, we are reminded of the preciousness of time and the enduring power of LOVE. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, the memories shared will remain vivid in our hearts—a testament to a life well lived and deeply cherished.

Let us honor mom’s memory by living with the same kindness, curiosity, and generosity that defined her days. In the quiet moments, may we find solace in the knowledge that her spirit persists in the acts of goodness carried forward by those who loved her.

Farewell, MOM. Your legacy is woven into the tapestry of our lives, and your memory will endure, shining quietly through the years.