Darlene Kartchner, age 91, passed away on June 30, 2020, of natural causes.

Born on March 29, 1929, to Albert and Annie Jorgensen Blackburn, Darlene grew up on the family farm in Clawson, Utah. Her childhood was the source of many adventures that she would retell — even in her last months — with laughter and great detail, to the delight of her family. The youngest of eight children, Darlene developed grit and a resourcefulness that would carry with her throughout her life.

She loved dancing and was a hard worker. As a young mother, Darlene was a real-life Rosie the Riveter, working a drill press in the years after World War II. Later, as a homemaker, her strong work ethic continued as she was never without a major chore or project.

In 1946 she married Mervin Cook, they had one son before their divorce. In 1949 she married Darwin Mabbutt and they raised four children in Price. They later divorced and remained friends.

Darlene eventually met her soulmate LaMont Kartchner and they married on July 1, 1961. Their family grew with the additions of his three daughters as well as a daughter they had together.

As the mother to this large family her skills really shined, she was an excellent cook who could make anything from scratch, as well as a talented seamstress and gardener. Darlene’s vegetable, raspberry and flower gardens were legendary, she was recognized for having one of the county’s best yards thanks in part to her meticulously tended pink peonies and heirloom roses. She passed down her appreciation for plants and nature’s beauty to her grandkids, and they treasured her homemade raspberry jam.

LaMont and Darlene loved entertaining, hosting countless parties and card games at their home as well as social events at the country club, where they both served in leadership positions.

Darlene was a talented athlete and notoriously competitive. In her younger years, she played softball and later competed in bowling tournaments that she usually won. When Darlene was in her early 30s, she picked up a golf club and her true passion (some may call it an obsession!) was ignited.

Some of her happiest memories took place with LaMont and their friends and family on the greens and fairways at courses throughout the western U.S. She was active in the Utah Ladies Golf Association, won countless tournaments and, in 2004, she hit a prized hole-in-one on the 6th hole of her beloved Carbon Country Club.  Even well into her 80s, Darlene could out-drive golfers half her age and she was still playing when she celebrated her 90th birthday. She was always delighted to hear that a family member or friend picked up the sport that brought her so much happiness.

Darlene is survived by her children Ray (LaRae) Cook; Roosevelt, Utah; Randy (Bobbi) Mabbutt, Price; her very special daughter and constant companion DeAnn Mabbutt, Price, Utah; Dawn (Jim) Leonard, East Carbon; stepdaughters LaLani (Sam) Haymes, Fruit Heights, Utah; and Pat (Nyal) Nessen, St. George, Utah; many grandchildren and their families; and her dear golf community at Carbon Country Club.

She was preceded in death by her sweetheart LaMont; daughter Kathy Mabbutt, stepdaughter Lee Kartchner and her siblings Pearl, Gloria, Clifton, Rulon, Floyd, LaVon and Elden Blackburn.

Darlene’s family would like to thank the staff of Parkdale Care Center who lovingly cared for Darlene during her last days.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the “Play Yellow” program in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals are appreciated, www.PlayYellow.org.

Friends are welcome daily for visitation and to sign the guest book at Mitchell Funeral Home at 233 E Main Street, Price, Utah.  Private family services will be held Saturday, July 4, 2020 with interment to follow at Price City Cemetery. Friends and extended family will be welcomed at a celebration of Darlene’s life, which will be announced and held at a later date.