Darlene May Bartels, age 86, White, SD, formerly Petaluma, CA, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Riverview Healthcare Center, Flandreau.

Darlene was born in Fort Bragg, CA on October 15, 1935 to Kelley and Dorothy Stephens. She married Robert Bartels and they moved to San Diego, CA in the early 1950's. They later moved to Point Arena, CA where they lived before moving to Petaluma, CA in 1974, after her three children were born. She lived in Petaluma for over 30 years before moving to Nevada. In 2019, she moved to Volga, SD with her daughter.

Darlene was the epitome of a homemaker and was a loving, doting mother. Her children were everything to her and she took great interest in their lives—and later, her grandchildren's lives. She will be remembered for her kind, sweet heart, her immense love for animals, and her unforgettable laugh.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Lisa Bartels, White; and two grandchildren, Daniel Lavilla, White; and Billy Bartels, Bloomington, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kelley and Dorothy Stephens;  two children, Stephanie Bartels, and Michael Bartels; and her sisters, Martha Darling and Shirley Moore.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau. www.skrochfc.com