Darlene Potter Roark

Darlene Fay Roark, Loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Our "darlin" sweet Darlene passed away peacefully June 27, 2010 surrounded by her family. Darlene was born October 25, 1928 in Keyapaha, South Dakota. She was the last born of 5 children to Myrtle and Ozzie Potter. She was such a "darling baby girl" she was named Darlene. And a darlin she was. Darlene was raised in the country on a farm and graduated from Longpine High School. She helped around the farm and was dearly cherished by her sweet loving parents and family. Darlene met her beloved sweetheart Cecil Roark at age 13 at the country school and they later eloped when she was 18 ears of age after she had graduated from high school. As a teen Darlene drove tractor and was proud of the fact she had the expertise to "square off" the corners of the crops when most of the men didn't know how. Whatever she did she gave 110% and gave above and beyond in a manner that no task was too small or large or difficult to be achieved. She did everything in her life with grace and ease and was very humble. Darlene worked as a riveter in San Diego while her husband Cec was away in the Navy during the Korean War. Later on she taught school to one to sixth graders at the same time. She had to remove her socks and shoes in order to cross a big river to reach the schoolhouse. Loving children so, she frequently babysat while raising her own. On one particular occasion she had 10 children around the kitchen table, each creating their own cinnamon roll with homemade bread dough. During her life she enjoyed selling Avon for a number of years when her children became school age. She also became a self-trained bartender in a small neighborhood pub. She became famous there for a blended drink she called the "Berryetto" that she created. She also made "virgins" for children and non-drinkers. After Cec passed, she continued with his business of selling and delivering drums of high quality lubrication products. After living in numerous states Darlene decided that Salt Lake City, Utah would be a great place to settle down and raise their family. One of the primary reasons was due to her love for the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. Due to Darlene's love of the outdoors and the changing seasons she enjoyed hiking, mountain goat viewing, camping, fishing, and picnicking. She had fun traveling. She was also an amazing cook perfecting numerous dishes from many different cuisines and cultures not to mention her down home cooking, southern dishes for Cec such as Louisiana Gravy and delicious green tomato pie along with the best of apple and homemade ice cream. She created wonderful holiday feasts for family and numerous friends. Her children frequently came home from school with the aroma of fresh baked cookies. Valentines was always homemade sugar cookies cut out in heart shape with pink frosting. A homemade beautiful Valentine dress with hearts for her two girls was one tradition. Darlene's Christmas candy and treats were to die for. She made each and every holiday warm, cozy, special and fun with a sense of excitement and surprise for family and friends alike. Darlene's family came first and foremost. She eventually gave birth to two girls, then two boys and later Darlene and Cec became the proud foster parents of a troubled (at the time), runaway teen found on their front doorstep with his only belongings in a brown paper bag. There was always room in her heart for more. She became "Mom" to numerous relatives, neighbor kids, her children's friends and her and Cec's friends during trying times of their lives. Her home was a haven to all." Put on another plate" was a common phrase in her kitchen. A few of Darlene's traits: she was naturally gifted with love of all humanity and animals, accepting, understanding, compassionate, forgiving, non-judgmental, honesty, goodwill, a wonderful sense of humor and Midwestern pranks for all. The most tedious chores and life's most challenging situations Darlene embraced with strength, confidence, love, grace, classiness, calmness and always a cheerful attitude. She never complained about anyone or anything-ever. Not even a common headache, not once. She was always joyful and filled with gratitude consistently. She more than stepped up to the plate with wisdom, grace and ease supporting everyone she could. Her only expectation was to just be you and make yourself at home. Enjoy life. Have fun! Darlene Roark was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband Cecil, her son Miguel Rio, her daughter Debra Risse' Gabriel and her foster son Alan Battachio. She leaves behind two children Shannon Roark (Patricia), Mechelle Selene Koehler and two grandsons Ryan Patrick Gabriel (Erin), and Jaxon Cecil Koehler. Condolences may be sent to the family at scrazyhorser@aol.com.
In lieu of flowers, come celebrate her life Saturday, July 3, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. at Spruces Campground, group site #3, approximately 9.3 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon.