Delores "Darlene" Houk, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at her home in Clinton, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel in Clinton. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the service. Burial to follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Brownington, Missouri. Memorial contributions can be made to Maplewood Cemetery and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com .

Darlene was born on May 9, 1938, in Montrose, Henry County, Missouri, to Paul Davis and Katherine (Miller) McClure. She was a member of Deepwater Baptist Church.

She worked hard throughout her life. She enjoyed being a waitress and cherished the relationships she built with those she served. She also loved yard work and took great pride in her flower beds. In later years, she found peace in sitting outside in the mornings, watching the birds.

Her favorite role was being a mother. She loved her children beyond words and felt deeply blessed to be surrounded by them. There is no love like a mother's love. As her family grew to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, her heart grew fuller with each one.

Darlene married Donald Breeden on August 29, 1953, and together they had six children. He preceded her in death on August 25, 1962.

On June 12, 1964, she married Kenneth Lee Houk. Together, they raised their family and created lasting memories. He preceded her in death on March 4, 2019.

Darlene was also preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Kathy Mast; her son, Donald Breeden; her grandson, Larry Lee Degraffenreid; her brothers, Larry Davis and Jackie Dale Davis; and her sister, Sharon Kay Davis.

She is survived by her son, Denver Breeden (Brenda) of Brownington; her daughters, Deborah Olsen of Brownington, Rebecca Dietz (Mark) of Clinton, and Donna Moreland (Jack) of Clinton; 18 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way; her sister Bonnie Newell (Allen); and her brothers, Dennis McClure (Robin), Randall McClure (Diane), and Ricky McClure.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

Obituary submitted by family.