Darlene A. Blake, 89, of Tama, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama with Father Michael McAndrew and Deacon Stan Upah officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in rural Toledo. Visitation will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 from 3-5 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with a Vigil Service at 5:00 PM.

Darlene was born on March 20, 1933, in Blackhawk County, Iowa, the daughter of George and Emma (Meier) Weber.

She attended Jesup consolidated schools, graduating from Jesup High School in 1950. Darlene attended Pitzie's Cosmetology School in Waterloo, Iowa, graduating in 1953. She had her own Beauty Shop in Waterloo until she married Robert.

In her younger days, Darlene modeled at Catherine's Clothing Store in Waterloo on the weekends. She also started babysitting at the age of ten and continued throughout her life. Darlene worked in Dunkerton, Iowa for seven years until 1960. She moved to Toledo in 1961 and later worked for the Tama County Health Service for seven years.

On January 7, 1961, she was united in marriage to Robert B. Blake at St. John Catholic Church in Waterloo. Darlene was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama where she has been active in CCW and the finance committee. Darlene also served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Survivors include her daughters, Katrina Blake of Grinnell and Alicia (Randy) Higginbotham of Tama; grandchildren, Nicole Blake, Shaun (Jenna) Blake, Roman Ott, Curt Higginbotham and Rachel King; great-grandchildren, Gabe, Madyson, Keinzle, Emrey, Evan, Henry, Charlotte, Jonah, Trent and Laney; and her care giver for many years, Tara Slagle.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Robert on April 22, 2010; son, Daniel Blake; and brothers, Joseph Weber and Lawrence Weber.

She wanted her flowers when she was alive, so in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Louise and Lucile Hink Tama Public Library, Iowa River Hospice or Tama County Humane Society.