Shirley Darnell

Shirley A Darnell, 85 of Rochester, MN and formally Sioux Falls SD, passed away on Friday March 26, 2021, at Samaritan Bethany in Rochester. Shirley Darnell (Meyer) was born October 15, 1935, in Lake Benton, Minnesota to Christian and Carrie (Christensen) Meyer. Shirley graduated from Lake Benton high school in 1953. She moved to California and met Willis Darnell. They married on January 11, 1954. They later moved to Sioux Falls, SD. in 1977, where she resided for 43 years. Shirley then moved to Rochester in 2020 to be closer to her daughter and family. Shirley worked in the restaurant business for many years, serving many customers and putting smiles on many customers faces. After she retired she worked for Senior Companions in Sioux Falls. She enjoyed helping others and was always so kind and generous. She loved to sew, travel, and play pinochle. Her favorite thing to do was spending time with family and friends. Hope Mosier, and Darcy Burnham, both of Sioux Falls were very dear friends of hers. Shirley is survived by her children, Jim Darnell of Sioux Falls, SD, Debbie (Bob) Weyer of Rochester, MN, Chris (Michele) Darnell of Sartell, MN, and Kelly (Elaine) Darnell of Pinole, CA; Four grandchildren, Alicia Darnell of Ankeny, IA, Nicholas Weyer of Rochester MN, Zachary Weyer of Rochester MN, and Ashley (Conrad) Parker of Rochester, MN; One great grandchild, Sylas of Rochester, MN; and one sister Marian Johnson of El Cerrito, CA. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Harlan (Geraldine) Meyer, Ivan (Margie) Meyer, Marvin (Faye) Meyer, sister Naomi (Robert) Bauman and her husband Willis Darnell. There is no service scheduled and a private burial will take place at a later date in Lake Benton, MN. The family would like to thank the staff at Samaritan Bethany and the hospice care, especially Sarah and Margot for their compassionate care. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Darnell family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com