Darlene Marie Burgess Upton was born January 6, 1933 to Loren Frank and Alma Josephine Burgess at Clarkson Nebraska. Darlene was the third of four children and passed away June 16, 2021 at Sumner Place in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 88 years,5 months and 10 days. Darlene and family lived in Clarkson Nebraska area farming until it was decided to a buy ranch near Emmet, Nebraska. Darlene relocated with her family to the ranch where she worked hard for the family and attended and graduated from Atkinson High School Class of 1951. (She attended her 65 Class reunion but was unable to attend her 70 this year.) Darlene was united in marriage to Gerald Donald Upton in 1951 and to this union five children were born ndashRoger, Rodney, Lori, Linda and Lois. While living in Atkinson Darlene helped Gerald with a cattle hauling business, mother of five,and Watkins consultant.Darlene continued to help the family at ranch with chickens, potatoes and large garden in spring and summer. Worked as a waitress at Gaylenrsquo s Corner restaurant called ldquoThe Steakhouserdquo .She was known for her outstanding Christmas displays each Holiday season.Darlene and family won several years while living there. Her children loved to help her decorate-Not.Darlene was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary while living in Atkinson. The need came for the family to relocate to Beaver Crossing, Nebraska in 1975. Darlene and Gerald celebrated their 25 Anniversary in Beaver Crossing with large party. The marriage ended in 1979. While living in Beaver Crossing/Lincoln Nebraska area Darlene worked many jobs some of which she truly loved like: Fraternity Mother Cook, Cab Driver, Bartender, and finally as Public Service person for taking Elderly and handicapped people to their appointments and just being support person. After she retired she continued to help friends and neighbors at her housing complex get to stores and appointments and BINGO. When she was no longer was able to drive it was a sad day as she was such a goer.Darlene always had a love for BINGO and Scratch tickets and spent many nights doing 12 cards at one time. She was so quick at it she would tell her visiting daughter that she missed a number just called so when this happened she was essentially playing 18 cards at one time.Darlene was a collector of Cats and Hats.She had showcases full of Cat trinkets, jewelry boxes and shirts with cats on them. She really enjoyed showing off her cat attire.She liked having a live cat around her too, mainly when living in her Lincoln homes. Rodney and Lois enjoyed buying new hats for Mom and Mom loved having her picture taken with each new one. She loved to wear thwhen she went out. Darlene enjoyed visiting Casinos and over the years had sometty big wins and neglected to tell her children about the losses. LOL Except for the last fifteen months due to Covid Mom had a good life, always hard but good. Darlene is survived by her children and spouses: Roger and Nancy Upton, Lincoln, NE. Rodney Upton, Exeter, NE. Linda and Rick Briney, Piedmont, SD. and Lois and Joe Crouse, Marysville, KS, and son-in-law Jim Nordmeyer, Lincoln, NE. Her grandchildren and spouses: Roger Jr and Tiffany Upton, Jayme and Beth Nordmeyer and Kim and Matt Nonhoff.Great Grandchildren: Zachary and Zoey Nonhoff and Nathan Upton, also, sister and brother-in-law Norma and Jerry Coburn and sister-in-law Delores Burgess, several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. She wasceded in death by her parents Loren and Alma Burgess, her daughter Lori, brothers Darius and Lloyd Burgess and ex-husband Gerald Upton. A celebration of life is planned in Beaver Crossing, NE on July 10, 2021 at the HOPE CENTER at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Darlene will be put to rest at a later date in Atkinson, Nebraska with her parents and brother. Memorials and cards can be sent to Lois Crouse, 919 N 12 Street, Marysville, KS 66508
