Darlene Marie Burton, 84, of Ste. Genevieve, formerly of Crystal City, died Jan. 30, 2024, at Ste. Genevieve Care Center. Mrs. Burton loved her Yorkie, Baby. She cheered for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs. She also enjoyed watching college football and basketball. She will be remembered as a strong, faith-filled and generous woman. Born Dec. 19, 1939, in Festus, she was the daughter of the late Helen (Kempster) and Andrew Fred Heob Jr.
She was preceded in death by her first husband: Gerald L. Blechle; and her second husband: Clark M. Burton.
She is survived by two daughters: Kim (the late Dennis) Blechle Smith of Naples, Fla., and Patricia (Mark) Burton Kelley of Ste. Genevieve; two sisters: Dorothy (Hans) Carney of St. Peters and Susan (Donald) Stephens of St. Louis; a brother: John (Sharon) Saunsaucie of High Ridge; two grandchildren: April (Ralph) Napier of Festus and Amanda (Patrick) Donnelly of Festus; four great-grandchildren: Madelyn and Claire Napier, Alex and Luke Donnelly; and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by a brother: Larry Heob.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Graveside services will be private. Memorials may be made to either the Ozark Food Pantry, 1 Sunset Park, Festus, 63028, The Homeless Youth Initiative, 130 Brandon Wallace Way, Festus, 63028, or Masses. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.