Darlene May "Dar" Spalding, 62, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born May 29, 1959, on Clark Air Base in Pampanga, Philippines, to Leonard and Violeta Bello Tyree. Darlene married Steven Spalding on May 28, 1988, in Cape Girardeau. They had been married 33 years and loved each other dearly.

She is remembered to all as a fun-loving, generous and caring person. Her love for family, friends and co-workers always took precedence in her life. Darlene also loved animals and devoted her time advocating and educating others for their well-being. Many times, she took stray animals and brought them into her home and animal shelters for rehabilitation.

Darlene was a science fiction lover, but also enjoyed reading, coffee, shopping, music, travel and dancing. Above all, she loved to please. She dedicated herself towards creating beautiful moments with her family and friends by telling interesting stories and facts, using her sly humor, and creating memorable holidays with her decorations. Her infectious laughter would fill a room with reassurance, calm and positivity. Many easily spent countless hours engaging in interesting and meaningful conversations with Darlene.

Loving survivors include her husband, Steven Spalding; three children, Marissa Spalding Morgan, Jared Spalding and Enola Spalding; granddaughter, Layla Spalding; son-in-law, George Morgan; and sister, Lorna Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Tyree and mother, Violeta Tyree.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either Mac's Mission in Jackson, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.