Darlene S. “Gertie” Askren, 74, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Oakview Nursing and Rehab surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 1, 1948, the daughter of Linden and Pearl (Lambert) Reed. She married Gerald Lee Askren on April 5,1968 and together they enjoyed thirty-two years of marriage until his passing on September 16, 2000.
Darlene devoted her life to her family and homemaking. She liked John Deere tractors and enjoyed collecting them. Darlene loved her family dearly and visits with them brought her great joy. She was a member of the Pentecostal Faith Assembly Church and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Darlene leaves behind two sons, Johnny Askren and wife Candy, Tommy Askren; five grandchildren, Halie, Katie, Hanna, Johnny Jr., and Matthew Askren; step-grandchildren, Keisha Wilson, Shantel Reed; siblings, Charlotte Lofton and husband Dick, Brenda Dill and husband Jim, Bill Reed and wife Debbie, and David Reed; many loved nieces and nephews.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Jerri Lynn Askren; daughter-in-law, Kelly Askren; siblings, Richard Reed, Linden Reed, Linda Peach, Scott Reed, and Jeffrey Reed.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitationfrom 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2023, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2023 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Brother Bill Reed officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery where Darlene will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband and daughter.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Darlene’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Askren family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
