Darlene M. Bowen, age 85, wife of Dudley G. Bowen, of Douglassville, PA, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at home, on what would have been her late mother's birthday. She was the daughter of the late Webster L. and Helen (Graham) Shantz.

Darlene was born as the second youngest of five daughters on the family farm in Birchrunville. It was a snowy March 1, 1941, when her dad had to call upon the doctor at a neighboring residence, who trodded on his horse through the snow for her delivery. As she grew, she would help in tending to the farm before school and before bed, caring for the family's horses, chickens and dairy cows.

After starting a family, Darlene focused her attention on her home and family as a dedicated homemaker. She enjoyed trips to Hickory Run, PA in Carbon County, where she enjoyed camping, fishing and hiking.

In addition to caring her her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she enjoyed crocheting, cooking and baking, especially her famous mincemeat pies. She always looked forward to time spent with family and friends, and particularly loved family picnics and the traditional baseball game, throwing of quoits, and bonfires. She was a former member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Spring City.

In addition to her husband of 53 years, Darlene is survived by two children, Joyce Hookway-Irvin, wife of Keith and Charles Hookway, husband of Kym; three grandsons, Emerson (Jamie) Deuber, Charles (Joan) Hookway, and Cory (Paige) Deuber; three great-grandchildren, Sadie Mae, Grayson, and Ellie Mae; one sister, Kaye, wife of the late James D. Hetrick, Sr.; one sister-in-law, Mary, wife of Ron Holzer; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one son, Webster C. Hookway, and three sisters, Elizabeth Gresko, Mary Marks, and Joanne Bortner.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Wounded Warrior Project by visiting https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate. Arrangements are being handled by the Cattermole - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Royersford, PA. Condolences may be offered online at www.RoyersfordFuneralHome.com.