Darlene Simpson Obituary

Former Durango resident Darlene L. Simpson died of cancer on Tuesday, July 5, 2011, at her home in Aztec. She was one week shy of her 81st birthday.

Mrs. Simpson was born to Dave and Helen Burkett on July 11, 1930, on the family farm on the upper Florida River. She attended grade school at the Lissner School below Lemon Reservoir. The school was named after her maternal grandfather, and her mother had also attended the school. In 1936, Mrs. Simpson's mother opened Helen's Store, an area institution, and ran it for 60 years.

Mrs. Simpson went on to graduate from Durango High School with the class of 1948. Shortly after graduation, she married Gene Simpson in Aztec.

The Simpsons lived in Durango and California before settling in Aztec in the mid-1950s. Mrs. Simpson was a homemaker who kept a beautiful home and yard, her sister, Marie Shilling, said. She was also a talented crocheter.

Mrs. Simpson was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Gene Simpson.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Simpson, of Aztec; daughters Darla Boggs of Aztec and Patty Smith of St. Joe, Ark.; sister, Anna Marie Shilling, of Durango; brother, Wilmer "Bud" Burkett, of Aztec; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Saturday, July 9, 2011, at the First Baptist Church of Aztec. Terry Eagle and Mike Hunter officiated. Burial will take place at a later date at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango.