Darlene Arnstad, age 90, passed away peacefully in her home on May 17, 2025. She cherished her family, and was cherished by them. She was loved by many, and will be deeply missed. Darlene was a gifted seamstress and loved to decorate. She began her career as a hair stylist in her hometown, Fort Collins, Colorado. Darlene moved to Ft. Myers, FL, and opened a tropical bird shop with her husband, Tom. She and Tom retired to Owensboro, Ky, to be close to family, where she shared her love of sewing at Hancock Fabric. She spent most of her time with her children, shopping, gardening, and decorating her home.
Born in Denver, Colorado, February 16, 1935, to her mother, Minnie Edna Shunn and father, Willard Harvey Charlton. Darlene was raised in Bellvue and LaPorte, Colorado, by her mother and step-father, Edwin Herman Allbrandt, and her grandparents, Daniel and Flora Shunn.
In addition to her parents, Darlene is preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Lawrence Edward Kechter; her second husband, Thomas T. Arnstad; sister, Delores Washburn; brother, Eddie Lee Allbrandt; and son-in-law, Danny Horne.
She is survived by her children, Debra Zeigler (Michael), Sandra Joseph (Craig), Dr. George Kechter (Dr. Shaila), and Barbara Horne; four grandchildren, Dr. Avery Kechter (Dr. Eileen), Dr. Afton Kechter (Dr. Brandon McFarland), Brook Dale (Austin), and Brandi Dale (Nick); four great-grandchildren, Phoenix Chapell, Nora Faulkner, Brynn Faulkner, and Niya Kechter McFarland; cousin (more like a sister), Verna Hammon (Louie); sweetest sister-in-law, Myrna Allbrandt; best friend, Cindy Plum; and a half-brother, Rick Allbrandt.
Services will be private in Colorado.