Darlene R. Mays

Darlene R. Mays, 75, of the township of Calamus passed away on Friday, November 23, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Darlene was born the daughter of Douglas E. and Ruth E. (Helmer) Martin on November 26, 1942 in Beaver Dam. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Friesland and later confirmed at Friedens Ev. Lutheran Church in Randolph. Darlene was married to Willard J. Mays on June 20, 1964 at Friedens Ev. Lutheran Church. She was a graduate of Randolph High School and later Columbia Co. Teachers’ College. Darlene taught at Hampden School in Columbia County for two years followed by two years at Lynch Emmanuel Lutheran School in Glendale, N.D. Afterwards, she taught from 1966 until 2004 at Zion Lutheran School in Columbus until her retirement after 38 years. After retirement, she continued to work for the Red Bud Daycare and Cardinal Country Daycare both of Columbus. Darlene enjoyed teaching Sunday school at both Zion and Friedens Lutheran Churches. She was an active member of Friedens Ev. Lutheran Church in Randolph. Darlene is survived by her husband, Willard of the township of Calamus; her children: Timothy (Becky) Mays of Dodgeville and Tabitha Mays of Robbinsdale, MN; her grandchildren: Stacy Mays and Nicole Mays both of Randolph; great-grandchildren: Alijah and Trinity Saez; her siblings: Julliene Miller of Randolph, Dennis (Janis) Martin of Randolph, Kathleen (Robert) Smits of Waupun, and Dean (Stephanie) Martin of Beaver Dam; her sister-in-law: Gloria Martin of Waupun; her aunts: Ina Mae Helmer and Mabel Helmer; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Douglas Martin; grandson, Dillon Mays; a grandchild in infancy; and great-grandson, Emmitt Saez. A visitation will be held at Friedens Ev. Lutheran Church in Randolph on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and again on Thursday, November 29th from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the church. Rev. Daniel Schumann will officiate. Burial will take place at Randolph Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Friedens Ev. Lutheran Church, Lakeside Lutheran High School, or the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society.