Darlene Cathey

Darlene Cathey, 50, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at her home.

She was born Dec. 18, 1959, in Chaffee, Mo., to Clarence W. "Slim" and Mary Ann Margrabe Curtis.

Darlene attended school in Oran, Mo., and graduated in 1978. She later continued her education through Metro Business College and was valedictorian of the 1992 class, graduating with a degree in computer programming.

Darlene was a multifaceted individual. She diligently studied auto mechanics during and after high school, and was very proficient in her trade. She enjoyed teaching mechanic skills to her children, and was particularly thrilled when she could prompt them through a tricky repair. She was also accomplished in sewing, quilting, crocheting, was an avid reader and previously served several years as treasurer of Boy Scout Troop 8 in Cape Girardeau.

She loved to work and truly appreciated her jobs at the corporate office of Plaza Tire in Cape Girardeau, where she had been employed many years by the Rhodes family. Initially she worked in the tire shop, but the past several years, she was the accounts clerk. She also worked part time at Walmart in Cape Girardeau.

Loving survivors include a son, Michael Cathey of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; a daughter, Elizabeth (James) Phillips and children, Cheyenne and Jason of Chaffee; her father of Oran; two sisters, Benita Curtis of Cape Girardeau, Brenda Curtis of Scott City; two brothers, David (Rita) Curtis of Sikeston, Mo., and James Curtis of Oran.

She was preceded in death by a son, Samuel A. "Sam" Cathey (Dec. 22, 2009); her mother; and a brother, Ronnie Curtis.

Friends may call Sunday from 1 p.m. to time of service at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ed Carter officiating.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the American Lung Association or to the family.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.