Darlene Cummings

“I was given the gift of life, and now I have to give it back” Darlene was surrounded by her Children, daughter in law and one of her Grandson’s on Thursday night, November 4, 2021, when she left us in our grief and tears to have a celebration and reunion with past loved ones. We felt all their love surrounding us in our grief as they waited patiently for her to join them. Her last words the night before were, “I don’t want to leave you kids.” We reassured her it was okay and we would take care of each other. At Birth, Darlene Ann Cummings, born Anna Darlene Lee, weighed 3 pounds and was full term. Born in Cottonwood, Arizona to Orval Edward Lee and Mary Lillie Condor. Darlene was so small at birth that her Mom carried her in a shoe box afraid of dropping her. The story was told to her oldest Daughter that she didn’t know her name was Anna Darlene, Her Son she told she didn’t like her name so changed it to Darlene Ann and always went by this name her whole life. This was Mom always doing life her own way. Two of Darlene's dearest friends each named one of their Daughters after her. Darlene met her future husband through one of his sisters Judy, who was one of Darlene’s best friends. She later married Perry F. Ray and they had three children. They divorced in Cedar City, UT 19 years later. Darlene soon after, married Isaac Kay Cummings, their marriage was brief when Kay suddenly passed away. They were great friends and he was a great step dad. Darlene’s world revolved around her three children; Deanna (Glen) Anderson from Desert Springs, AZ, Lorena (Russell) Strohn of Cane Beds, AZ, and Perry (Lorie) Ray of Annabella, UT; 10 Grandchildren and 17 Great Grandchildren. Darlene lived in Cedar City, Utah for over 40 years and worked at the Silver Mine near Beryl, Utah She later worked at the IHC Hospital in Cedar City, Utah until she retired. She was a very hard worker, and was loved and admired by many of her colleagues. Darlene lived in several places in her life, including Guam, where her second Daughter Lorena was born. Darlene taught her children honesty, the value of hard work, and one Christmas bought her daughters chainsaws of their own. Darlene loved the outdoors, camping, bonfires, fishing, hunting, gardening and adventures. She loved riding her Polaris 400 Sportsman four wheeler and could out ride most people! She was a great cook who loved to dutch oven “Chicken and Potatoes”. Darlene loved music and dancing. One of her favorite singers was Hank Williams Sr. She loved to dance and was so fun to watch being only 4’10 (and a half) she had great moves, getting dressed up in heels or her moccasins and going out dancing. She loved cowboy shows and movies. Darlene was also a bit of a pool shark. One of her favorite stories with her oldest daughter, and a friend was when they met Elvis. He walked over and said, “Well, Hello Girls,” and kissed her daughter on the cheek. In lieu of a formal funeral the family will have a life celebration on her Birthday next year. Darlene enjoyed having her family around every year to celebrate her birthday and gather as a family. We will keep this tradition close to our hearts each year as we gather to celebrate her life and share our precious memories. She will be laid to rest at the State line, Utah Cemetery next to her second husband Kay later next year. Our Family would like to sincerely thank Monroe Canyon Assisted Living for all their kindness, compassion and love they showed Mom and her family. Darlene had a heart of gold, she helped and sacrificed her time, money for those she loved and cared about or in need. She would have gladly given you the shirt off her back. Mom we thank you for the great example you set for us and all your sacrifice. Mom you had so much Grit. We love you, please come visit us in our dreams or just anytime.