Darlene Marie Gerken, age 97 of New Florence, passed away September 7, 2025 in Spring, Texas.
Darlene was born October 13, 1927 in McKittrick, the daughter of the late Robert and Georgia (Benney) Schmidt.
Darlene married Orvy Gerken on October 12, 1947, at the Big Spring United Methodist Church in Big Spring.
Darlene worked as a stitcher at the International Shoe Factory in Hermann and the Beacon Shoe Factory in Jonesburg.
Darlene is survived by her son, Daryl Gerken of Spring, Texas, a son-in-law, James Justice of Wright City; two sisters, Doris Graue of Montgomery City and Norma Jean Stiegman of Big Spring; and two brothers, Robert Schmidt (wife Joyce) and Kenneth Schmidt (wife Barbara), both of New Florence. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
She is preceded by her parents; her husband, Orvy by her daughter, Cheryl Justice; her daughter-in-law, Vickie Gerken; two sisters Mildred Lockhause and Martha Graue; and three brothers, John, Marvin and Marion Schmidt; and one great-grandchild.
She was a member of the New Florence United Methodist Church and the New Florence Community Club.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-noon on Sept. 12 at the New Florence United Methodist Church in New Florence, where services will follow at noon.
Burial will be in the New Florence Cemetery in New Florence. The family requests memorials be given to the New Florence United Methodist Church or the cemetery.
