COLFAX — Darlene Harms Gillan, 81, formerly of Colfax, passed away peacefully Sunday (June 10, 2012) at Encore Senior Village in Phoenix, Ariz.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax. Pastor Greg Summers will be officiating.

Private inurnment will take place at Wiley Cemetery, Colfax.

She was born Feb. 7, 1931, in the township of Lawndale, to Clarence and Wanda Hardy Harms. They precede her in death.

She graduated as valedictorian of her class from Colfax Community High School in 1949 and was a member of the National Honor Society. She continued her education at Stephen's College in Columbia, Mo., graduating in 1951 with an associate in arts degree, receiving a certificate of competence in stenography. Darlene was a member of the Eta chapter of Alpha Pi Epsilon, a National Secretarial Honor Society.

Darlene married Richard E. Gillan on March 2, 1952, at Colfax Christian Church. Following their marriage, Darlene worked alongside her husband as a secretary for his law office in Colfax. In 1964, she and her husband, along with their daughter moved to Rockford, where

Darlene devoted herself to her family. During those years, she volunteered with the PTA, the March of Dimes and the Swedish-American Hospital Auxiliary, known as the Jenny Lind Society. She was an excellent seamstress and also enjoyed cooking, music, golf, reading and travel. When Darlene returned to the workforce, she was employed as a secretary by the Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District. Following retirement, Darlene moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., to be closer to her daughter.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Janna (Steve) Simpson, and her grandson, Tyler Simpson, all of Scottsdale, Ariz.; her sister, Donna Bethel, Normal; and many other family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; grandson, Ryan Simpson; and brother, Nolan Harms.