Darlene Thora McCulloch

November 19, 1931 - July 3, 2020

Darlene Thurn McCulloch, 88, was born in Gregory, South Dakota on November 19, 1931 and lost her battle with Alzheimer’s on July 3, 2020. She moved with her young family to California in 1962 when her husband Don began teaching in Fairfield. She spent many years working in various roles in food services with FSUSD. After Don passed away Darlene married Melvin McCulloch and retired to Grass Valley and later Sacramento. They loved to travel by plane, ship, and RV and explored the United States and cruised to far off locations. They always came home with great stories to tell of their adventures. She showed her love with delicious foods and wonderful baked goodies. She always knew everyone’s favorite treat and would make sure to have it ready and waiting when they came to visit. She enjoyed having the whole family for Christmas and Easter, especially as the family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Darlene was a talented seamstress, sewing clothes for herself and daughters, including wedding dresses. Darlene leaves behind a wonderful legacy. She taught us throughout her life about resilience and grace, especially these last few years. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family. Darlene is survived by her daughters Donna Thurn, Kristie Aguilera (Larry), Karen Wasson (Larry), Kathy Shepard (Phil), step-son Larry McCulloch (Julia), step-daughter Kristina McCulloch, grandchildren Amy Sanders, Sara Blakes, Emily Long, Erin Lewis, Larry Aguilera, Kristopher Aguilera, Amanda Nowoczynski, Elfie Nelson, Michael Nelson, Tamika Lewis, Jazmyn Guillory, Alex McCulloch, Christopher McCulloch, seventeen great-grandchildren, brother Clyde Ronfeldt, and sister Cecelia Lewis. Darlene was predeceased by her husband of 35 years Donald Thurn, husband of 25 years Melvin McCulloch, grandsons Jeremy Nelson and Jeffrey Shepard, brother Leland Ronfeldt, and sister Lila Ronfeldt. The family would like to especially thank Nia Tabiavalu for the care, compassion, and kindness she gave our Mom for the last four years. A private graveside service will be held at the Fairfield Cemetery.