Martha JoDene Darnell

Martha JoDene Darnell was born May 5, 1947, in Tilden, Nebraska and passed away at her home in Carthage, on Thursday, June 15, 2023, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery at Carthage. Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Tuesday.

She grew up on a farm north of Meadow Grove, Nebraska and graduated from high school there in 1965, after being crowned sports queen. JoDene married Lyle Darnell, another only child, on June 4, 1965, at the courthouse in Harlan, Iowa. They started their married life in Norfolk, Nebraska where they ran a painting and decorating business and spent four years in Goldfield, Iowa before moving to Carthage in January 1977. They never left. At different points, the couple owned the Carthage News and The Store before establishing Energy Dynamics. JoDene loved the town of Carthage and devoted much time and energy to the town and its citizens. She was the founder of the philanthropic organization Loyal Ladies, organized the blood drive for several years, and always looked forward to participating in the annual Haunted House and community play. She could always be counted on to find a creative way to raise funds for a community project, give someone a ride to the doctor, or help people out any way that she could.

JoDene will be remembered for her generosity, can-do spirit, and her distinctive laugh.

JoDene is survived by her husband Lyle; her three children Stephanie (Chris O’Keefe), Stacy Pickens (Steve), and Brandon (Jessica); 8 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. 

JoDene is preceded in death by her parents Wayne & Delpha (Buffington) Halsey; an infant brother Robert Wayne; and grandson Evan Rieck.

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