Darlene Urhahn

Darlene Urhahn, 78, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Venice, Florida, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the home of her son, surrounded by her family.

Darlene was born Oct. 30, 1945, in Cape Girardeau to Herman and Gertrude Burns Schwartz Sr. She grew up in Benton and attended St. Denis Catholic Grade School and Thomas W. Kelly High School.

Darlene married John F. Ford, and they had two children together, Michelle Yvette and Nathan John Ford. They later divorced, and Darlene married Edwin “Butch” Urhahn.

After their retirement from First Tire and Wheel, Darlene and Butch moved to Venice to enjoy the beach and the warm weather. When not doting on her three grandchildren, Darlene could usually be found tending to her large flower garden, reading on her lanai or spoiling her beloved cat, Carrie.

She is survived by her son, Nathan (Stephanie) Ford of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren, Liam, Lyla and Hollis Ford; brothers, Herman (Phyllis) Schwartz Jr. of Branson and Terrance (Diana) Schwartz of Benton; and sisters, Belinda (Tom) Grisham of St. Pete Beach, Florida, and Dottie Plumb of Cape Girardeau.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin “Butch” Urhahn; daughter, Michelle Yvette Ford; and parents, Herman and Gertrude Burns Schwartz Sr.

Per her wishes, the family will have a small graveside memorial service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Darlene’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The cremation of Darlene was personally handled by the staff at Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau.