Darlene was born on October 20, 1933, in Salt Lake City, the youngest child of Evan W. Ashby and Hertha J. Ballstaedt Ashby. She passed away Monday, August 11, 2025, at the age of 91. She grew up in the 9th and 9th area of Salt Lake City, and graduated from East High School and The University of Utah. Darlene worked at LDS Social Services and was an adoption caseworker. After graduating, Darlene had three children, John, Diane and Scott, with her former spouse, Jack Pickrell. Later in life she married John Douglas; they divorced.

Darlene was an incredible and devoted mother to her three children. She loved being their mom. As a single mother, she worked early in the morning calling substitute teachers so she could be home for her children. She worked for many years in the Pathology Department at the University of Utah. Darlene raised her family in East Millcreek and was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was an active member of the East Millcreek 2nd Ward for over 50 years and enjoyed serving in the Salt Lake Temple. In her last years, she resided at Spring Gardens Holladay. Darlene delighted in walking her neighborhood where she made lifelong friendships. As an avid traveler, she enjoyed the beauty around the world, especially Jerusalem, which she visited three times. Most of all, Darlene cherished being with her family. She is loved and will be missed.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Armand (age 36), Joan (age six), and Robert Lee (two days). Survived by her children, John (Melinda), Diane (Scott) Brown, and Scott (Erin). Darlene loved being a grandma to her nine grandchildren–Mary Elizabeth, Jacob, Anna Catherine, Joshua (Bernadette), M’kenna (Tevyn), Dallin, Ethan, Aiden, Keaton and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the meetinghouse at 3750 South Hillside Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a prior viewing 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

The family appreciates the wonderful care Darlene received from the staff at Spring Gardens Memory Care.