Valdene “Val” (Heese) Darling Allen, 96 years of age, of Beatrice passed away Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society in Beatrice. She was born on October 15, 1921 in rural Cuming County, the daughter of Fred L. and Hattie (Zahn) Heese. Val graduated from Pender High School in 1939 and attended the University of Nebraska earning a degree in Elementary Education.
She was married to Donald W. Darling on June 14, 1942 and resided in Pender and then Fremont for a period of time, before returning to Pender where the couple resided for many years, raising 3 sons, D. Scott, Steven, and Stanford. As an educator, Val taught 4th grade elementary in Thurston, Bancroft and 2nd grade in Aurora until her retirement in 1983. While residing in Aurora, Val completed flying lessons and earned her private pilot’s license.
She became a member of the women’s private pilot organization named the ‘99’s and was very proud of her piloting skills. Following retirement, the couple moved to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas where they enjoyed golfing, boating, playing bridge and spending time with other retirees. The winter months were spent in Southern Texas and included trips to Mexico and Aruba.
Following the death of her husband Don on February 4, 1996, Val married Raymond Allen on November 21, 2000 of Fairfield Bay and eventually relocated to Beatrice to be closer to family members. Upon the passing of Ray Allen on April 24, 2010, Val lived in assisted living facilities until her passing. Val is survived by 3 sons, D. Scott Darling and wife Katie of Pender, Steve Darling and wife Paula of Tecumseh, Stan Darling and wife Carole of Fremont; 7 grandchildren, Tonya Peck and husband Ryan, Jonathan Darling, Candice Gardea and husband Martin, Andrea Schafer and husband Rob, Cortney Darling and wife Nicole, Laura Smith and husband Matt, Leslie Ellingson and husband Dan; 8 great grandchildren, Josh Peck and wife Miles, Alli Peck, Brianna and Amelia Darling, Brooklyn and Addison Schafer, Wren Smith, Abram Ellingson; sister-in-law, Maxine Rogers of Vermillion, South Dakota; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 1st husband, Don Darling; 2nd husband, Ray Allen; and brothers, Myron and Eldon. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, October 5, 2018 in the St. John Lutheran Church Chapel in Beatrice with Pastor Greg Gabriel officiating. Private inurnment will be held at a later date.
There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.
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