Darlene Anne Lorton, 85, of Urbana passed away at 1:00 a.m., Thursday, July 03, 2014 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2014 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, Urbana. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 10, 2014 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the funeral home.

Darlene was born September 19, 1928 to Maryanne (Anne) Spicer-Robinson in Urbana. Her mother preceded her in death. She was raised by her uncle and aunt, John (Jack) P. and Buzette (Betty) L. (Spicer) Davis. Darlene married Robert E. Ash on September 1, 1946; he passed away in 1953. Darlene married Clarence Lorton in 1979; Clarence passed away in 1986. Surviving Darlene are two daughters, Tana Steigberg of Urbana and Sherry (Mike) Garner of Grayling, Michigan, five grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Darlene was a graduate of Champaign High School and a member of University Place Christian Church. She was a secretary with the Music Dept. at the University of Illinois for over twenty years and the office manager for a catering service for more than 19 years.

Darlene was selfless and kind hearted, caring for and welcoming in any one needing love and attention, whether human or animal. Her daughters and grandchildren feel blessed to have had her for their mom and grandmother. Everyone knew she was there for them for any reason. She is going to be missed by anyone whose life she touched.

Darlene's family want to memorialize Darlene with a headstone as big and great as was her heart. Tana and Sherry invite friends and family who may wish to assist in selecting and inscribing the headstone to contact them. Memorial contributions may also be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be made at renner-wikoffchapel.com.