Darlene Louise Dunning, longtime resident of Fort Morgan, passed away on January 19, 2022 at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland.

Darlene was born on June 5, 1936 in Akron, CO to Elmer and Lillian Ireland. She was one of four sisters. The family lived at Hahns Peak, CO until Darlene was about 8 years old. They moved to Pueblo and then to Leadville, where Elmer helped build the army camp. The sisters would watch the soldiers march by. In 1945 the family moved to Fort Morgan. After graduating high school, Darlene married Jerry Hellmuth and worked in the office at Great Western Sugar Factory for several years. After Jerry's death, Darlene started selling real estate and later became the broker and owner of Carriage House Realtors.

Darlene enjoyed life and many things. She loved fishing and camping with her family. She fixed up old houses for rentals and did a lot of the work herself. She wasn't afraid to tackle any job. She was a wonderful cook and liked to try new and different recipes. Darlene was also a die-hard Broncos and Colorado Rockies fan, even when they were losing.

Darlene is survived by her sons, Rick Hellmuth, Chris Hellmuth (Michelle); her sister, Hazel Jess; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a friend that loved her like a mother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Hellmuth; her parents; two sisters, Norma Parachini and Donna Lett; and daughter in law, Wendy Hellmuth.

A memorial service and celebration of Darlene's life will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Christ's Church, 330 State St., Fort Morgan, CO.