Darlene Lavon Vorhies Obituary (1933

Darlene Lavon Vorhies, 87, of Fairfield, IA passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021 at the Jefferson County Health Care Center in Fairfield. An open visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 15, 2021 at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. Masks and social distancing are respectfully requested. Cremation will take place following the service with burial to be held in the Vorhies Cemetery near Lockridge at a later date. Memorial contributions in Darlene's honor may be directed to the Arc of Jefferson and nearby counties. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Darlene Lavon Vorhies was born on August 26, 1933 in Lee County, IA to Russell and Lucia Enslow Landes. From an early age and throughout her school years it was evident that Darlene had a heart to serve others. In 1953 she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Merle Vorhies. During this same year she had the honor of working with famed U of I orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ignacio Ponseti. Her time working there helped to further influence her passion to help other people. Darlene and Merle began their family, becoming loving parents to three children, Greg, Roger, and Janet. Darlene worked as a homemaker and stay at home mom. She was also a partner in the farm operation which included caring for the livestock and operating tractors and equipment. As the children grew older Darlene began work outside of the home at Philco Ford and later at Sitlers. In 1973, Darlene founded the Arc of Jefferson County which supports individuals of all different ability levels and their families. Her drive for service also led her to the Women's Hospital Auxiliary, Legion Auxiliary, and VFW Auxiliary. Darlene also began and maintained the "Skate-a-thon" in Fairfield for many years. She was an advocate for Camp Courageous and the TENCO Workshop. These are just a few of the many activities that Darlene did throughout her life that show her compassion for her community and her love for helping others. Her kindness will not be forgotten by her family, friends, and countless individuals she supported. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Wilbur and Alva Landes. Left to share her story is her loving husband, Merle Vorhies of Fairfield, IA; three children, Greg Vorhies (Rhonda Vaughn) of Fairfield, IA, Roger (Karen) Vorhies of Fairfield, IA, and Janet Vorhies of Washington, IA as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family and friends. The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Jefferson County Health Center, Van Buren County Hospital, Hospice Compassus, and Tammy Neff for the amazing care, compassion, and expertise they showed Darlene, and the family, during this difficult time.