Darlene Marie Mays, 72 lifelong area resident, died Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at the Colorado Plains Medical Center in Fort Morgan. She was born September 3, 1936 in Brush to David and Anna (Simon) Ruppel. She married Joel E. Mays on September 22, 1961 in Fort Morgan at the Methodist Church. Darlene enjoyed playing golf, visiting Black Hawk, polka music and going to the Elks Club with Joel. She also liked to play cards, was in several bridge clubs and volunteered for the Salvation Army. Survivors include, her husband Joel of Fort Morgan, three stepchildren, J.D. Mays of Colorado Springs, Gaylord R. Mays of Stone Ridge, Virginia and Pamella Diane Trondson of Colorado Springs, one sister, Dorothy Croswell of Scottsbluff, NE, one brother, Robert Ruppel of Fort Morgan, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Harold, Reuben, and Donald Ruppel and one sister, Esther Earl. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to either the Eben-Ezer Lutheran Care Center in Brush or to Hospes of Morgan County in care of Heer Mortuary. Memorial Services will be Monday, November 10, 2008 at 11:00 AM at the Heer Mortuary Chapel in Fort Morgan. Services will conclude at the chapel. The Heer Mortuary and Crematory in Fort Morgan is in charge of the arrangements.