Darlene Howard

May 17, 1924 was a glorious day in Provo, Utah when Darlene Lunt was born to Alonzo Lorraine Lunt and Mabel Ruth Owen Lunt. She was the third of five children. As a small child the family returned to Nephi where she lived to adulthood.

Darlene had fond memories of her school days. She remembered all of her teachers and friends. In high school she played tennis, did archery, played the base drum, performed in school plays and operas. She was known for her beautiful singing voice which blessed her family and friends her whole life. She was awarded a music scholarship to Snow College. Her one regret in life was that she did not use that scholarship. Her one unfulfilled dream in life was to sing with a "big band."

When she was just 14 years old she met a handsome young man, John Elmer Howard, who had come to Nephi to live with family and take some seminary classes while waiting to enlist in the US Navy. They met in seminary class where he would wink at her while she was leading music. He would sit behind her and pull her long curls. Because of her young age, no official courting took place, but they would ride bikes and sometimes go to a movie. Sometimes John would go to her home when she wasn't there, sit on the porch and talk with her mother. Needless to say Mabel thought he was wonderful.

Then all of a sudden he was gone! Shortly thereafter he wrote and explained he was in the Navy. They corresponded for the next six years. Darlene was no wallflower. Even as she dated in high school, John sent her an engagement ring. After a while she accepted his ring and anticipated his return from the war. On July 6, 1944 they were married in Salt Lake City in the bishop's office.

Growing up Darlene didn't like to cook. She would tell her mom, "Ask me to do anything but don't ask me to cook." As a newlywed, she wanted to cook a roast so she put it in a pot of boiling water. As the white bone marrow seeped into the water, she thought it was maggots and threw the roast in the garbage. Her cooking skills were mastered over the years. Her Sunday dinners were something to write home about. Her grandchildren all have fond memories of her great meals.

They had a unique navy life. John had a career that was mainly shore based and they spent most of their navy life in San Diego, California. They longest that they were separated was one time for three months. While in San Diego their daughters two were born, Leslie Ann in 1946 and Mary Lou in 1951.

In 1954 John was transferred to Honolulu, Hawaii and took his family with him for two and 1/2 years. Darlene loved life in Hawaii. She took professional hula lessons and learned to play the ukulele. She loved Hawaiian cuisine, especially fresh pineapple. While in Hawaii Darlene and John were sealed for time and eternity in the Hawaiian temple. Their son, John Elmer II, completed the family when born in 1956, shortly before returning to San Diego.

In 1957, after returning to San Diego, they purchased their home on Brentwood St. It was a three bedroom, two bath home. Darlene thought it was so spacious and wondered how she was ever going to use all the space. The garbage disposal was an unheard of luxury. It was a beautiful home that served them the rest of their lives.

As the children grew older, Darlene worked during tax season in a tax accountants office. She would sometimes work long hours and learned about filing taxes. Later In life Darlene was a secretary at the LDS Institute of Religion. It was here she had many memorable relationships with the students who loved and respected her. For many years Darlene enjoyed volunteering during election times as a poll worker.

Darlene enjoyed music her whole life. For more than 30 years she sang in a trio and they would sing in sacrament meetings, funerals, social events, and anytime they were invited. At one time they had a professional recording which her family still enjoys listening to.

In 1965 another chapter of her life began. Her first grandchild, David Christopher Harker was born. Darlene and John were blessed with seven grandchildren; Jason Howard Harker (1969), Nathan John Perriton (1973), Nicole Marie Perriton Bergen (1976), Alana Kristine Perriton Corr (1980), John Howard Perriton (1983), Alan James Perriton (1987).

1986-1987 Darlene and John served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the London, England visitor's center. Darlene enjoyed meeting and teaching the people who came through the visitor's center. She marveled at all the different nationalities and called London the crossroads of the world.

She and John were active and faithful church members their whole lives. They served as temple workers in both the Los Angeles and San Diego temples. Darlene served as Young Women's President, Relief Society teacher, choir director, chorister, among other callings.

As Darlene aged, suffering from hearing and memory loss, she moved to Provo, Utah to live with her daughter Mary Perriton.

Darlene is preceded in death by her dear husband, parents, brothers Max and Don, and sister Margaret.

Darlene is survived by her three children, brother Jerry Lunt, seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

Friday, January 6, 2017, was another glorious day. After a short illness, Darlene passed peacefully to heaven surrounded by family to reunite with her beloved John.

Services will be held in Nephi, Utah on January 14, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home located at 94 West 300 North. Interment will follow at the Nephi City Cemetery located at 400 North 400 East.