Willie R. Darnell, 67, of Cañon City, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on January 16, 2021 after battling cancer. She loved Jesus and is now in eternal peace with our Lord and Savior.

Willie was born July 20, 1953 in Clayton, New Mexico to Olen and Clela Henry. She was raised in Keyes, Oklahoma.

In 1972, Willie married Donald Darnell in Guymon, Oklahoma and had three children: Troy Darnell, Misty Darnell and Tisha Darnell. After moving to Cañon City, Terry Thill became another daughter to them. Willie’s children blessed her with twelve grandchildren: Chase, Brandon, Dominick, Amber, Abrianna, Christian, Christopher, Jenna, Alyssa, Caleb, Robert, Caiden and Ally.

She is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren; mother, Clela Balenseifen; sisters, Vada, Treva and Connie; brother, Bill as well as numerous other family members and in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her father, Olen Henry; brother, Charles and grandson, Brandon.

Willie loved hard and loved easily. She did not need to know you to care for you and she spent a lifetime showing that. Her children’s friends were like her own and she enjoyed that. She was fun, feisty, and incredibly strong. She enjoyed caring for the elderly, specifically those with Alzheimer’s and she did a wonderful job at that for several years. She loved working in her yard, taking pictures, crafts, and holidays; but most of all, she enjoyed her family. Vacations, picnics, and road trips were always a hit, if she got to spend time with her family, she was happy.  Willie was the light of her family and was loved by so many, she will forever be loved and missed.

The family wishes to acknowledge the care of our community, The Vineyard, Sangre De Cristo Hospice, Palace Drug, Barber Lo & Company, and numerous other members.

Funeral service, 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 22, Wilson Memorial Chapel, pastor Luke Canady officiating.  Interment to follow at Mountain Vale Memorial Park.