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Obituary For Lillie Darlene Churchman
Lillie Darlene (Sims) Churchman, 93, passed away on April 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and deep devotion to those she loved.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 4, 2026, at Ankeny First United Methodist Church (206 S.W. Walnut St, Ankeny). A memorial service will follow visitation at 11:00 a.m., also at the church. Interment will take place at Ankeny Memorial Gardens in Ankeny, IA. The service will be livestreamed at https://ankenyfirstunitedmethodi.subspla.sh/nd8r52c
Born May 13, 1932, in Menlo, Iowa, to Monte and Lillie Sims, Darlene grew up a proud farm girl and attended rural schools before graduating from Adair High School. She continued her education at Creston Junior College and the University of Northern Iowa, preparing for a life of teaching and service.
On June 7, 1953, she married Duane Churchman, beginning a partnership rooted in faith, family, and ministry. Darlene taught for three years in Madison and Warren County schools and later served as a substitute teacher in the many communities where Duane pastored United Methodist churches. Her gentle spirit and love for children made her a natural educator wherever she went.
Darlene was deeply active in church life, offering her gifts through United Methodist Women, choir, children’s choir, and missions work. She was also a proud member of Chapter PG of P.E.O. Her commitment to service was steady, joyful, and lifelong.
Darlene is survived by her sister, Rosalea Johnson of Norwalk; her children, Dan (Debi) of Monument, CO., Doug (Kelli) of Ankeny, and Leah (Drew Van Meeteren) of Ankeny; and daughter‑in‑law, Jennie of Eureka, IL. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Emily, Rachel, Katie Huffman, Libby (Kevin) Yoder, Kamerin, Kourtlin (Justin) Pearson, Kierin, Davis, Dane, Damin, and Kade Van Meeteren; and her great-grandchildren, Addy, Theo, and Zayn who brought her tremendous joy.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane; son, Lindsay; granddaughter, Jess Van Meeteren; and brother‑in‑law, Dean Johnson.
Memorials may be directed to the Ankeny First United Methodist Church Missions Fund, honoring Darlene’s lifelong passion for faith in action.
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Sharon Sims Henderson and sons, Mike and Chris planted 5 trees in memory of Lillie Darlene Churchman . - May 03, 2026
I met Darlene and Duane Churchman, when they were serving in Keota,IA. I attended H.S. youth conferences in Mount Pleasant in the 60's with Duane, visited their home in Carlisle, while I attended Simpson College....and He officiated at our wedding in 1968 in Keswick. Darlene was a wonderful person and such a caring, supportive minister's wife. They were my role-models in so many ways. It has been our privilege to know and love them all these years. I know they are rejoicing right now to be together again. All our love to the family. Terry and Carolyn Smith
I wish everyone could have the experience of having people like Darlene and Duane in their lives. Their love, guidance, mentoring, laughs and hugs were both life affirming and life altering. So many of us were blessed to know them, their family and their welcoming home. Their influence will never be forgotten and it continues.
Duane and Darlene provided foster care to me during a difficult time in my life. I will be forever grateful for their loving shelter when I needed it most. Thank you! You touched my life and I grew from it.
