Darlene (Stucki) Herrera passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at her home in Winnemucca, Nevada at the age of 93.
She was born to Joseph E. and Maude (Cannon) Stucki in St George Utah on April 3, 1929.
Darlene attended several different schools in Nevada and Utah during her childhood.
When she completed high school, she received a Harold's Club Scholarship that made it possible for her to spend four years at the University of Nevada in Reno where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics degree.
She also earned her certificate and spent the following year teaching at Virgin Valley High School in Bunkerville, Nevada.
On June 7, 1952, Darlene married Melchor I. Herrera in Ely, Nevada. They lived in numerous places throughout Nevada due to his employment with the State Highway Department.
The couple had six children and eventually made their home in Winnemucca.
Darlene worked as a Home Economist for the Humboldt County Extension Office for many years.
She then worked as a substitute teacher in the Winnemucca schools. She also helped at the polls during election time.
A life-long, member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Darlene served in various auxiliaries including Relief Society, Primary and the Family History Center.
She was active in the community as a 4-H Leader, Tri-County Fair judge and exhibit organizer.
Some of the things she enjoyed were reading, quilting, sewing, crafting, collecting quotes, poetry, listening to music, word search puzzles, and watching Jeopardy.
Nothing could light up Darlene's face as much as when a grandchild or great grandchild walked into the room.
Darlene was a beacon for her family. They all relied on her kindness, generosity and patience.
Through her last days on earth she was grateful for everything that was done for her.
A friend once commented that Darlene was "a lady from the top of her head to the tips of her toes," and those who knew and loved her heartily agree.
Darlene is survived by her children: Kathy Herrera, Vicki Finger (Terral), Mary Anne Black, Edward Herrera (Sue), Debra Herrera-Kitchin (Kevin) and Laurie Herrera-Cassar (Tom). Grandchildren: Jon Black, Diana Beeson, Careina Brooks, Eldon, Forrest, and Seth Finger, Joshua and Isaac Herrera, Nicholas and Terryn Cassar, Jennica Reeves, and Zachary Kitchin.
She is also survived by fifteen great grandchildren, her sister Beatrice "Bea" Sinfield, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Mel, granddaughter Amber Black, parents Maude and Joe Stucki, sister Shirley Peacock, and brothers Alpine, Stan, Boyd and Randy Stucki.
A special thank you to Guiding Light Hospice, Cindy Michael, the Winnemucca Police Department, Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, the staff at Sonoma Funeral Home, Ruth Fitzpatrick, and all who sent food, flowers, prayers and kind thoughts.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 23, 2022 at the Winnemucca Cemetery.
