V. Darlene Hale

GRAND TOWER – V. Darlene Hale, 59, of Grand Tower, passed away 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 18, 2016 peacefully with her husband Travis Hale by her side.



Darlene was born on September 25, 1956 at St. Anne, MO to Melvin Eugene and Ann (Hart) Howard. She married E. Travis Hale on December 8, 1979 in Anna. She enjoyed 36 years of marriage with her dedicated, caring, and loyal husband and he survives. Throughout her life they shared in making many memories of traveling, camping, riding horses and four wheelers, boating at the lake, and enjoying good parties with family and friends.



Other survivors include step daughter, Gina Hafertepe and husband Chris of Jacob; grandchildren, Ashley Johnson and Amy Hafertepe both of Murphysboro, and Katy Hafertepe of Willisville; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Kenny (Peggy) Howard, John (Teresa) Howard, and Lenny Howard; sisters, Carolyn (Mike) Rossman and Connie Ticer; and nephew, Kyle Moyers and his children, Kaetlyn, Hayden, Kyra, and Justice; along with many nieces and nephews.



Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Gene Howard.



Darlene attended Gorham School and then attended John A. Logan College to become a beautician. She continued to enjoy cutting hair for many special ladies in her life. Darlene attended New Life Tabernacle Church in Murphysboro. She leaves behind a legacy of enjoying life, laughter and children. To know Darlene, meant you were loved and treated as part of her family.



Funeral service for Darlene will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale with Rev. Larry Worthen officiating. As per her wishes she will be cremated following the service. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.



As the preferred form of remembrance the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America and will be accepted at the funeral home.