Darlene Peterson passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at her Chisolm Court home, with family present. A remembrance gathering will be held at a later date, at her home church, in Terlingua.

Darlene was born on December 10, 1939, in Mercedes, to Irma and William Killebrew. She would eventually marry Robert (Pete) Peterson. Together, they would love and raise a blended family of 5 sons and 1 daughter. Darlene dedicated her professional career to Civil Service. She started at Lackland AFB, where she worked to greet and process new recruits into the Air Force. In 1979, she and Pete moved to and began a journey of service at Big Bend National Park. She started as a telephone operator. After years of hard work and dedication, she retired in 1994 as an Executive Administrator of the park.

Darlene was wellloved by her family as well as by her church family, at Big Bend Church, along with many community members in Terlingua. Darlene dearly loved her home in Terlingua.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: David and Pat Sartain, Jeff and Binky Sartain, Wade and Diane Peterson, Duane and Mary Ann Peterson, and Kathy Jean Haikenwaelder. Along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home-Abilene.