Darlene Joy (Wagner) Bowen

Darlene Joy Bowen, age 75, of Kentwood and formerly of Hudsonville, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024.

She was born on her family farm near Hudsonville to Wayne and Gloria (Pifer) Wagner on November 29, 1948, in Zeeland.

Darlene was born the eldest of five children. Looking after her younger siblings (aka bossing them around) is likely what led to her love of raising children. Not only her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren but also for all the countless babysitting kids she looked after over the years. For the babysitting crew, she became known as “Grandma Dar,” a loving and nurturing soul.  For their parents, she became a therapist/shoulder to lean on, always willing to listen and lend some kind words. One thing about “Grandma Dar” is that she was never at a loss for words. If you had good news to spread, she was the one and only source needed. Word would spread like wildfire to family and friends alike.

In her spare time, she loved to spend time with family, listen to music, and go camping. Camping was so special to her because she was able to spend quality time with her beloved husband Jerry and any other family/friends willing to tag along. Their camping trips started with their children, then progressed to bringing their grandkids, and then great-grandchildren. They never went camping without at least a couple kids partaking. These trips were also extra special because they almost always included her best friend Laurie, who was her shopping partner in crime. Without fail, every Saturday they could be found casing all the local stores looking for their next big score. These Saturdays also allowed their husbands to unwind with their weekly hiking expeditions (aka getting away from the girls and having a few too many beers).

Darlene will be deeply missed by her beloved husband of 51 years, Jerry Bowen; her children: Debbie Hinton, Jody Bowen, and Duane (Yeni) Bowen; her 93 year-old mother, Gloria; grandchildren: Samantha Hinton, Mark (Vauwn) Hinton, Melissa Bowen, Andrew Bowen, Isabella Bowen, Devon Bowen, Chase Walker, Brianna Walker, and Anthony Walker; great- grandchildren: Jordan Parrish, Benjamin Ruiz, Jaden Parrish, Hailey Hull, Hannah Hull, and Natalie Heppy; great-great grandchildren: Nikko Parrish and Nova Ruiz; Siblings: Jerry Wagner, Betty Anthony, Larry Wagner, and Randy Wagner; friends: Laurie Slagter and Jody Breen; as well as many other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wayne; granddaughter, Valerie; and friends: Beth Miller and Carolyn Scott.

There will be a time of visitation from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood.  A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the funeral home with Pastor Sean Kidd officiating.  There will also be visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday.

Those wanting to make memorial contributions can send them to the Susan Mast ALS Foundation, 2500 Waldorf Court, Grand Rapids, MI 49544.

Darlene, you are not with us now, but your memories will be with us forever. Your lessons will always guide us, and your smile will always be remembered. You are going to be missed forever. “Don’t cry because it's over, smile because it happened” (Dr. Suess).

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