Melba Lois Darnell – Akin, IL

Melba Lois Darnell, 84, of Akin, IL passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021, surrounded by her loving children.

She was born on December 6, 1936, to Charlie and Hazel (Wright) Warren in Hamilton County, IL. On April 23, 1955, she married Carl Dean Darnell and he proceeded her in death on February 12, 1993.

Melba was a member of the Akin Missionary Baptist Church and looked forward to attending church as much as possible. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Melba enjoyed cooking, canning vegetables, mowing the lawn, shopping at Wal-Mart, going to rummage sales, attending horse shows, family get togethers and a good meal.

She is survived by her two daughters, Debbie (David) Link of Macedonia, IL and Janet Rone of Akin, IL; one son, Keith (Bobbi) Darnell of Akin, IL; seven grandchildren, Jason (Amanda) Rone, Travis Rone, Dr. Chad (Dr. Jamie Davison-Link) Link, Ryan (Kelli) Darnell, Brandi (Ryan) Sauerhage, Mallory Rone and Brody Rone; seven great-grandchildren, Brennan Link, Kathryn Link, Tristan Link, Emma Rone, Brantlee Sauerhage, Hadley Sauerhage, Allie Darnell; a soon to be eighth great-grandchild, Rylyn Darnell; and her dearest best friend and cousin, Dorothy Patterson.

She was preceded in death by parents, Charlie and Hazel Warren; husband, Carl Dean Darnell; daughter, Amy Lynne Rone, great granddaughter, Addyson Rone; and son-in-law, Roger Rone.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 12, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., on Friday, March 12, 2021, at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Jeff Pulliam, officiating. Burial will follow services at Brady Cemetery, Akin, IL.

Memorials may be made to Akin Missionary Baptist Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.