Darlene Hoyt, age 81, died Saturday, March 1, 2025, at her home in McHenry, ND.

Darlene Phyllis Harding was born on March 25, 1943, in Durant, Oklahoma, to Ralph and Ann Harding, while Ralph was working road construction.  She grew up on a farm north of McHenry and attended school at McHenry.  She always talked about milking cows.  She loved going to Darin’s farm during calving season and when baby horses were born.

In November 1960, Darlene was united in marriage to LuVerne Hoyt in McHenry.  They were married for 61 years before LuVerne passed away on October 29, 2021.  Darlene continued to live in McHenry until her death.

Through the years, she worked at the McHenry cream station, babysat for several families, had a consignment store in her basement, worked at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, worked at the senior citizen center, was caretaker of a hunting lodge, and spent many hours in the butcher shop with LuVerne.  Keeping everyone fed was what brought her the most pride and joy.  She looked forward to kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids popping in for something to eat.  She could whip up a meal in 15 minutes.  Darlene was known for her fresh buns, apple cake with caramel sauce, cookies, brownies, and fried potatoes.  She always had a scoop of ice cream for the kids.  Darlene spent many hours listening to old-time country music.  She spent many hours in her garden and on her riding lawn mower.

Darlene was a life-long member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in McHenry.

She is survived by her daughter, Vonnie (Jim) Johnsrud; two sons, Darin (Kathy) Hoyt and Leon (Tonia) Hoyt; her grandchildren, Blaine (Jennifer) Hovland, Christopher (Becky) Hovland, Wyatt (Aliyah) Hoyt, Laine (Jakenda Short) Hoyt, Levi Hoyt, Brody Hoyt, and Kade Hoyt; great-grandchildren, Beau, Casey, & Anna Hovland, Luke, Liam & Lawson Hovland, and Quinn Hoyt; a brother, Ronald (Lois) Harding; a sister Judy Hoyt; two sisters-in-law Sherry Harding and Skeeter (Harlan) Sigdahl; one brother-in-law Mugs (Peggy) Hoyt; several nieces & nephews, including a special niece, Beth Harding.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, LuVerne; grandson Dustin Hovland; her parents; one sister Myrna (Jerome) Ronholm; one brother Richard Harding; and two brothers-in-law Milton (Carol) Hoyt and Hartley Hoyt.

Darlene’s Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 1:00PM-2:00PM followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00PM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, McHenry, ND.

Her Burial will be at the Bethlehem Cemetery at a later date.