Darlena Sue Hutchings Obituary (1938 - 2016)

Darlena Sue Inman Drury Hutchings was born on October 29, 1938 in Pitcher, Oklahoma to Clarence Everett Inman and Vivian Lena Hall. Darlena passed away on November 29, 2016 following a 14 month battle with Breast Cancer. She spent the week preceding Thanksgiving receiving visitors who have been Blessed by her love and influence in their lives. During Darlena's youth she attended Cherokee Pow Wow's, shoes optional, with her mother and grandmother. She loved seeing the Indian apparel, dancing, handiwork, music and just enjoying the Indian traditions. This was one of her very first memories. She loved going into town to the movies with her uncles who would scare her to death on the walk home, threatening, if she ever told, they would never take her to the movies, again! She learned keeping secrets had benefits. Darlena grew up fast and married young, desiring to create a family of her own. She found herself a widow with 4 children and a grandchild at the age of 36. Her husband, Joseph Edwin Drury, died of Lung cancer and Darlena never left his side during his 8 month battle. Her ability to care for others was truly inspiring. Darlena's example of love and forgiveness was never more apparent than when she spent years caring for her mother, who had abandoned her as a youth. She was blessed to have a wonderful relationship with Granny Grace, her paternal grandmother, who raised her. She leaves her husband, Juan Lamar Hutchings, four children Teri Forbes (husband Ben, deceased, children Lisa, Joey and Benji), Lori Kessler (husband Brad, children Kristina, Kimberly, Michael, Karolyn, David and Daniel Kessler), David Drury (wife Teresa, children Steven, Tiffany, Trevor and Spencer), Leslie Hayes (husband Michael, children Brittney, D.J., Ethan and Chloe), 17 grandchildren in total and 20 great-grandchildren (2 on the way) who loved her and called her Meemaw. When she married Juan, she gained seven additional children, who had lost their mother, Garth (Laurie) Hutchings, Blair (Laurie) Hutchings, Lyle, deceased (Jody) Hutchings, Pamela (Mark) Mooney, Catherine (Steve) Nicholls, Diane (Andrew) Johnson, Douglas (Katherine) Hutchings. She helped raise Diane and Doug, and even found Doug's wife Katherine for him. Just more children to mother, 35 more grandchildren to adore, 38 great-grandchildren (1 deceased and 3 on the way) to cuddle, rock, love and kiss! She had hoped to meet her newest twin great grand-daughters. She will be remembered for her skills in the kitchen, Mexican food-before it was popular, Homemade Peach Pies, Plum Jam, Celebrations in the California Party Hut, Candy Bar Games with the grandchildren played just before dinner, Sundae's for Breakfast and Refined Entertaining skills. As if that is not enough, her Roses, Dish Plate Dianthus, Iris and all types of bulbs created a park like setting in her yard. When her children were young she made their clothing and crocheted blankets for grandbabies and great-grand babies. Along with her sweetheart, she served two missions. Their first mission was in St Louis, serving the people of Centralia and Mt. Vernon. Darlena's Uncle, Gordon Schlueter was their Bishop and living in a home Darlena and her Aunt Alma played in as children. Her second mission was a service Mission in Magna, Utah. Darlena and Juan traveled the world via Trains, Planes, Automobiles, Buses and Cruises. She loved her family, her religion, her pets, her home and traveling. Christmas will not be the same without her famous Buckeyes and Peanut Butter Rolls. 43 years ago she survived Cervical Cancer, 28 years ago she survived Breast Cancer and she has fought Breast Cancer for the past 14 months. We feel blessed to have had her with us for 78 years. We want to thank the Applegate Employees who helped her and our family the last month of her life. Her Neighbors and Ward Members showed compassion, kindness and love through meals, notes and support. Funeral Services will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, December 3, 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2812 W 11800 S, South Jordan, Utah 84095. Viewing at 11:00 am Saturday, prior to Funeral Services at the church. An additional service will be held in California, Thursday, December 8, 2016. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Covina Hills, California. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT 84095