Darlene Mae Holm entered the gates of Heaven on February 26, 2022 while at Monterey Park Rehab and Nursing Center in Independence, Mo., with family and friends by her side.

Darlene was born June 24, 1932 in Lee’s Summit, Mo., to Nye and Lona Nixon, who named her Darlin Nola. At 18 months old, she was adopted by Louis and Mae Wallace of Mission, Ks., and her name was changed to Darlene Mae Wallace. She graduated Shawnee Mission North High in 1950 where she was an active leader in school activities. Darlene married Richard (Dick) Holm on June 15, 1951. Six months later they moved to Puerto Rico where Dick was stationed with the Air Force. She enjoyed ceramics, and oil painting and had great talent singing and playing the piano and organ. She was involved in many activities with her church, including bible school, music groups and writing. Dick and Darlene loved being foster parents and group home parents to 76 children.

Preceding her in death are her biological parents Lona and Nye Nixon, adoptive Mother and Father Mae and Louis Wallace, biological sisters, Juanita Artall of Texas, June Wethington of Illinois, Virginia London of Oklahoma, Jean Croft of Montana, Gladys Nixon of Lee’s Summit, Mo. and brother Robert Lamb of Tennessee.

Surviving are her children, David (Samellen) Holm, of Grain Valley, Mo., Sherri (Rick) Halstead of Park Ridge, Il., Jean Holm of Independence, Mo.; 3 grandchildren, Ron Holm (Angie Pickman), Jennifer (Clint) Borgstadt, Steven (Courtney) Holm; 10 greatgrandchildren, KellieLynn, Miri, Anna, Elijah, Hadley, Hannah, Levi, Landon, Lilyann and Tommy.

Darlene has loved many children and has many friends that she kept special in her heart. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.