PERCY – Darlene Lodge, 83, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at her home in Percy, Illinois.

Darlene was born on July 9, 1941, in Chester, IL, the daughter of Martin and Pauline (Wedemeyer) Rathert. She married Robert W. Lodge on November 27, 1958, in Chester, IL. He preceded her in death on May 22, 2006. Darlene operated Lodge Upholstery in Percy, IL, and was a homemaker. She was a member of Denmark Baptist Church, PTA, and the 4-H Club. Darlene enjoyed gospel music, being outdoors and camping at Kentucky Lake. She loved going to all her grandchildren's sporting events. Darlene was active in the merger of the local grade schools to form Trico Grade School, forming the Trap Team and other school projects. She enjoyed plaster craft conventions and photography. Darlene was a caretaker for many.

Darlene is survived by her children: Barbara Smith of Pinckneyville, IL, Buffie (Donnie) Davis of Percy, IL, Darl (Linda) Lodge of Ava, IL; her grandchildren: Codi Davis, Colby Davis, Jordan and Justin Meyerhoff, Hunter and Jessica Lodge, Jerry (Heather) Smith, Annette (Mark) Stevens, Joshua (Tammy) Smith, Amanda (Jeff) Ryser, James (Jamie) Smith; her great grandchildren: Walker D. Meyerhoff, Jedsen Lodge, Kambri (Willy) Jones, Koal Smith, Sierra Kuntz, Zerek Kuntz, Zachary Smith, Maranda (Spencer) Ryser, Brianne (Aaron) Brissards, Jake Ryser, Connor Smith, Aryn Smith, Ben Smith; her great great grandchildren: Jayden and Holland Jones, Trenton and Paisley Smith, Declan and Conrad Brissards; her siblings: Marvin (Audrey) Rathert of Steeleville, IL, Orville (Marlene) Rathert of Steeleville, IL, Kenneth (Janell) Rathert of Kirkwood, MO, Robert (Cookie) Rathert of Coulterville, IL, Vernadean Blair of Percy, IL, Carolyn (Lester) Lange of Campbell Hill, IL, and Sue Pierceall of Chester, IL.

Darlene was also preceded in death by her parents, a great grandson, Nicholas Smith, sister, LouAnn Castens, son-in-law, Jerry M. Smith.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 12, 2024, 12:00 noon, at Denmark Baptist Church, Denmark, with Rev. Marty DeRoche officiating. Burial to follow at Paradise Cemetery, Steeleville, IL. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, IL, where friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, and then on Thursday, 7:30 – 10:00 am at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to a Love Fund for the family or to Denmark Baptist Church, Denmark, and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.