Cleo Darby

Cleo Genevieve Darby, 97, of McCamey, TX formerly of Zanesville passed away Saturday, February 11, 2012, at the Senior Care Nursing Home in Midland, TX. Following a short illness. Cleo was born August 7, 1914 in Zanesville, the daughter of John Earl Harris and Hazel Lampton Harris. Family was most important to Cleo. She had even left school in the tenth grade to go to work at the ice cream store to provide for her family. Working there she met the love of her life, Thomas Julian “Juke” Darby and they were married on June 20, 1936. They moved to Texas in October of 1973. Cleo was known for her cooking and baking, and she was still baking for her family until October of 2011 at the age of 97. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, as well as gardening. At the age of 59, she attended Midland College to obtain her Dietary Certification. She cooked at the McCamey Hospital and Nursing Home until she retired at the age of 72. In 2006, Cleo published “Cleo’s Recipes” which is now in its second printing. Cleo is survived by her two daughters, Joanne Darby of McCamey, TX and Sue Keyser and her husband Bob of Columbus; four sons, Thomas Darby Jr. and his wife Louise of Columbus Grove, Dick Darby and his wife Sonie of Zanesville, Jim Darby and his wife Jacquie of Midland, TX, and Doug Darby and his wife Kris of Odessa, TX; one brother, LeRoy “ Gee” Gatton and his wife Mary of Zanesville; a sister, Charlene Smitley of Duncan Falls; 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, one great-great grandson; and numerous nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents, Cleo was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Julian “Juke” Darby on December 13, 1984; six siblings, Louise Watts, Verna Adams, Earl Harris, Doris Wilson, Claire Stotts, and Ray Gatton; and two step sisters, Ruth Highnam, and Dorothy Steinmitz. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Thursday, February 16, 2012 at The Hillis & Hardwick Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, where funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday. Entombment will follow in Zanesville Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Home Hospice, 901 W. Missouri, Midland, Texas 79701 in Cleo’s memory. To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note of condolence please visit the link at top of page

Cleo Darby

August 7, 1914 - February 13, 2012