Darlene Dorothea Lyell passed away peacefully at home in the loving care of her family on September 22, 2026 at the age of 86. Darlene was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Aurelia and Stanford Benedict.

Darlene grew up in El Monte, California with her parents, two sisters Barbara and Mary and brother Jimmy. On April 25, 1960 she married Carl Lyell in Merced, California, spending 66 beautiful years together. Carl and Darlene had three daughters Gail, Donna and Terry.

For 21 years, she proudly stood beside her husband as he served in the United States Air Force. Together, their family embraced the life of a military family living in places like New Hampshire, Arkansas, and North Carolina before returning to California.

Darlene had a true gift for creativity and a heart for making things that brought joy to the people she loved. She could often be found crocheting, cross-stitching, creating Diamond Dot art, or putting together a Lego creation, always with patience and care. Many of her creations were made especially for those she loved, including beautiful handmade blankets for her great grandchildren. Each piece was more than something handmade—it was a gift of her time, her love and a little piece of herself. Her creations will continue to be cherished and remind her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends of the love she poured into everything she made.

Darlene is survived by her husband Carl Lyell. Daughters: Gail Bostic, Donna Mullis (Earl) and Terry Cole. Sisters: Barbara Dobrow and Mary King. Seven grandchildren: Nicole Godett (Kyle), Donald Cole, Brandi Moelter (David), Ashley Stayskal (Robert), Steven Mullis, Lauren Goodman (Kyle) and Aaron Bostic. Thirteen great grandchildren: Ethan, Caleb, Thomas and Caroline Godett, Finn Cole, Wyatt, Wade and Weston Moelter, Jonathan and Barrett Stayskal, Peter, Henry and Celeste Goodman. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Aurelia, Stanford and James Benedict.