Darlene A. Myers

LANCASTER - Darlene A. Myers, age 88, of Lancaster, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Darlene was born Darlene Ann Snyder on May 17, 1937, in Lancaster, the daughter of Kenneth B. and Alice J. Snyder. She graduated from Lancaster High School in 1955 and married the love of her life, Gene L. Myers, on January 4, 1958, at the Lancaster United Methodist Church. At the time, Gene was serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and Darlene was working as a telephone operator for Bell in Madison. Following their wedding, Darlene joined Gene in Alabama, and later that year they welcomed their daughter, Jolene. Together, Darlene and Gene built a beautiful life rooted in love, hard work, and community. Gene worked as a farmer, stockyard hand and school bus driver, while Darlene became a beloved fixture in town as the Store Director of Dick's Supermarket. Their mutual passion for horses and rodeo defined many of their happiest years. As lifetime members of the West Grant Saddle Club, they were known for their barbecue and willingness to help with any club event. In retirement, they traveled west with their horse trailer—complete with living quarters—for trail rides and adventure. In later years, Darlene and Gene found joy in the simple pleasures of home, spending quiet days together watching rodeos, playing cards with friends, and cherishing one another’s company. Darlene shared a deep and special bond with her daughter, Jolene. More than mother and daughter, they were best friends. Darlene was unwavering in her devotion to Jolene’s well-being and happiness. They spoke every day, and their relationship was a beautiful example of love, loyalty, and friendship that lasted a lifetime. Darlene was the absolute best grandma and great-grandma. Her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew no bounds—even at 88 years old she could be found down on the floor playing with trucks, doing a puzzle, playing a board game, laughing, and creating memories that will be treasured forever. Darlene will be remembered most for the little things that brought so much joy to those around her—her signature "Myers!" greeting when answering the phone, her fierce love for Gene and her family, her generous and compassionate spirit, and her pride in her well kept yard and flower beds. Her unbeatable spaghetti and relish trays with cheese dip along with the abundance of desserts she always had on hand, will be fondly remembered (especially because she only began baking after retirement—before that, it was all from Dick’s bakery!). She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Gene L. Myers of Lancaster; her brother Darrel L. (Eleanor J.) Snyder of Lancaster; her daughter Jolene Kilcoyne (Peter Woodruff) of Dubuque, IA; grandchildren Robbie Kilcoyne (Samantha Steinhoff) of Rickardsville, IA, and Holly (Nathan) Mrstik of Appleton, WI; great-grandchildren Noah Kilcoyne, Addison Kilcoyne, Kash Kilcoyne, Zaida Gillis, Bryce Mrstik, and Bria Mrstik; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth (1988) and Alice (1995); her brother Monroe L. Snyder (2020) and his wife Betty R. Snyder (2025); and her niece Connie M. Silvers (2001). Darlene’s life was a testament to love, devotion, and quiet strength. She will be dearly missed by all who had the joy of knowing her. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at MercyOne, Agrace Hospice and Home Instead as well as Mike and Laurie Meighan and Danny and Nancy Pagenkopf for their care and support.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the Lancaster United Methodist Church with Rev. Erika Jezael Martinez-Flores and Pastor Mark Dieter officiating. Burial will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Lancaster. Family and friends may call on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is assisting the family.