D. Darlene Pettygrove, 100, of Centralia passed away peacefully Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Centralia Manor. She was born on September 5, 1926, in Carmen, OK, the daughter of Elwood and Merle (Guggenmus) Wimmer. She married Robert Pettygrove on September 30, 1945, and he preceded her in death, July 1981.

Survivors that will remember Darlene with precious memories include her beloved family, her daughter, Sharon Rae (William) Schmid; her son, Robert Kim (Rebecca) Pettygrove; grandchildren, Chad R. (Tara) Richardson, Kelly M. (Michael) Maves, Tracy J. Pettygrove-Allen, Victoria L. Pettygrove; great-grandchildren, Harper Richardson, Michael Carbajal, Alanna Carbajal, Makayla (Jack) Steele, Abigail Maves, Selah Maves, Nathan Breckenridge, Devin Tracy, Daniel Paraday; great-great-grandchild, Sullen Hendricks; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Along with her husband of 35 plus years, Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Elwood and Merle Wimmer; brother, Bernard Wimmer and wife Edna; and her son, Donald G. Pettygrove.

Darlene was proficient with numbers, which was a blessing to the businesses, where she was their bookkeeper. She was a loyal employee of Watwood and Heavener Engineers for twenty plus years. Darlene was especially loved and appreciated for her twenty plus devoted years at The Village Greenery Florist, where she was more than the sweet lady who did their books, she was family. She worked in the general office at Faith United Methodist Church for eighteen years, and Demaree United Methodist Church.

Darlene had been an active member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1961, where she shared her talents by singing in the choir, serving with Session, and encouraging her church sisters. She had a deep appreciation for the arts, performing in numerous musical productions with the Centralia Cultural Society Little Theater Group. Darlene served as President of the Centralia Jr. Women’s Club, Centralia Business and Professional Women’s Club and Ex-Prexies of BPW. She deservedly received the AAUW Community Service Award. Darlene loved the community she called home and it truly showed by her actions.

Darlene loved music, playing cards and Mahjong, reading, and being active and involved with other people. Darlene was a hard-working, people-person who will be missed by many. She reflected gratitude for each day, her life inspiring a wonderful example of staying active and living life to the fullest over her 100 blessed years.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Centralia, with Chaplain Joannie Naraghi officiating. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. Relatives and friends are welcome to offer words of encouragement for the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at the church. Memorials may be made in Darlene’s honor to the First Presbyterian Church Organ Fund, or a charity of the donor’s choice, and will be accepted for her family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home 234 South Elm St. Centralia, IL 62801. Online condolences and memories of Darlene may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.