Darlene Catherine (Joy) Ballinger, died peacefully on January 6, 2026, in Greeley, CO, at age 102. Darlene was born on April 12, 1923, to Emory and Catherine Joy in Fargo, ND. She attended schools in Fargo before moving to Seattle during WWII and she worked for Boeing Aircraft as a messenger within the company buildings. While living in Seattle she enjoyed attending USO dances with friends where she met her first husband who was in the army. After WWII ended, she lived in Newark, NJ until returning to Fargo in March 1951.

In 1978 Darlene moved to Portland, OR where she worked for the Veterans Administration until she retired. She stayed in Oregon until she moved to Detroit Lakes, MN in 1996. After moving there Darlene became a Senior Companion. She enjoyed the interaction with her clients, many of whom were younger than her. Darlene was immensely proud that she was able to do this for 10 years. In 2011 Darlene moved to Eaton, CO where she lived until June 2023, when she moved to Greeley, CO.

Darlene was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1957 and became involved with Women of the Moose. Darlene never met a stranger and accepted people for who they were. She loved helping people any way she could and shared whatever she could. She always enjoyed playing card games and Bingo. In her later years SkipBo became her favorite card game, which she taught to everyone she could. Darlene derived immense pleasure from baking and sharing her “goodies,” especially her banana bread. Her children remember not having a lot when they grew up, but holidays were always made special, especially Christmas.

Darlene found forgiveness, peace, and acceptance in her later years through her belief in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Darlene enjoyed friendships with the pastor and people at Eaton Baptist Church

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine and Emory Joy; brothers, Douglas and Emory; sister, Lois Joy Wagnon; and granddaughters, Mistie Tuite, Tanya Price, and Rochelle Kregar-West.

She is survived by her children, Catherine Knapp, Sherry Harvey, Marcia Duran, Douglas Duran, (Ann), and Martha Danzeisen (Dean); 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Darlene’s kindness and generosity touched many lives, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be remembered for her warmth, her gentle spirit, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Her legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and deep love for her family. We are grateful for the time we had with her, and she will be deeply missed but not forgotten.

Celebration of her life will be Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Eaton Baptist Church, Eaton, CO, followed by a light lunch.