Darlene Ann Collyar, 91, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on January 15, 2025.
Born on December 23, 1933, in Stillwater, OK, Darlene was the daughter of Katharine Elmina Grimsley and Arlo Reinhold Schmidt. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1951 and went on to earn a degree in Home Economics from Oklahoma State University, where she was an accomplished majorette/twirler in the Cowboy Marching Band and a flutist in the concert band. Darlene also played an active role in the Future Homemakers of America, and the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority/Alumni Association.
A talented seamstress, Darlene received recognition for her designs and developed a lifelong passion for beautiful fabrics, jewelry, and fashion. Always busy supporting her community, she was awarded a prestigious “Volunteer of the Year” award when she lived in Las Cruces, NM.
She spent over 10 years as a government civil servant, contributing her talents at Kwajalein Island and Redstone Arsenal. Darlene was an avid traveler with a deep appreciation for arts and culture, and she found joy in the simple pleasures of life such as playing bridge, gardening, and spending time with family. Darlene and her late husband built their dream home on Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman, AL, where her family and friends enjoyed many years of memorable gatherings. In her retirement, she became deeply involved in the First United Methodist Church in Cullman, where she organized the annual holiday bazaar and assisted with Bible study.
Darlene is survived by her sister, Rosetta (David) Silver of Stillwater, OK; her three children and their spouses: Christia (Donald) Nalley, MG Lynn (Sarah) Collyar, all of Huntsville, AL, and Kathy (Vincent) Marucci of Winter Garden, FL; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leo M. Collyar, and her brother, Martin Schmidt.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Laughlin Service Funeral Home in Huntsville, AL. Burial will follow at the Cullman City Cemetery.
Darlene’s love, grace, and kindness will be missed by all who knew her.
