Darlene Henderson
Darlene Henderson, 71, of Stanton, MO, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.
Darlene was born on July 4, 1951, in Union, Missouri, to Wilbert and Minnie (Doyle) Busse. She attended grade school in Union before relocating to Stanton and graduating from Sullivan High School in 1969. Darlene was married to Leroy Crabtree, and together they were blessed with a daughter, Rebecca. The couple later divorced, but Darlene's love for learning and education never wavered. As a single mother, she attended East Central College and later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Mathematics from Columbia College, all while raising her daughter.
Throughout her life, Darlene was a dedicated worker, spending over 15 years as a telephone operator at Fidelity Communications. Her determination and strong will were evident as she built a home for herself and her daughter while completing her bachelor's degree. She was a role model to her family and friends, instilling the values of success and the importance of education in those she loved most.
On April 28, 2000, Darlene married Dennis Henderson, blending their families and creating a lifetime of memories together in Stanton. They loved to travel with the Bank Road Runners, visiting places such as Hawaii, Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls, the Canadian Rockies, Colorado, and Branson. Darlene cherished family gatherings and barbeques, always putting her family first and showing immense love for her grandchildren.
A woman of faith, Darlene later in life began attending the Stanton First Baptist Church. She had a wide range of interests, including reading novels by Charles Dickens, exploring genealogy and astrology, and tending to her beloved garden, especially her flowers. Darlene enjoyed staying busy and always found joy in watching hummingbirds.
Darlene is survived by her loving husband, Dennis Henderson of Sullivan, MO; three children: Rebecca Lynn Brown and fiancé Anthony of Robertsville, MO, Jennifer Gratzl and husband Jered of Saint Clair, MO, and Dennis Henderson Jr. and wife Cindy of Saint Clair, MO; eight grandchildren: Danica Swaller and husband Randy of Cedar Hill, MO, Megan Brown of Saint Clair, MO, Bethany Holderman and husband Ryan of DeSoto, MO, Tristan Brown of Sullivan, MO, Bethany Young of Saint Clair, MO, Caleb Geissler of Saint Clair, MO, Levi Gratzl of Saint Clair, MO, and Akinar Henderson of Saint Clair, MO; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dale Busse and Lloyd Busse of Sullivan, MO; a sister, Wilberta Palmer and husband Bill of Sullivan, MO; a sister-in-law, Maria Busse of Stanton, MO; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert and Minnie, and two brothers, Gary and Glenn Busse.
Funeral Services will be held at 12 PM, on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at the Stanton First Baptist Church with Pastor Paul Niemoeller officiating. Interment will follow at Anaconda Cemetery.
Visitation will be 10 AM – 12 PM, Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at the Stanton First Baptist Church prior to the funeral service.
Friends may send their online condolences to Darlene’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.