Darlene Coartney

ASHMORE – Darlene Clair Coartney, 96, of Ashmore, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Willow Breeze Hospice House, Mattoon with her daughter at her side.

The funeral service honoring her life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026 at the Enon Baptist Church, 23262E CR 880N, Ashmore, with Scott Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Enon Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Friday, prior to the service at the church. Memorials in her honor may be made to: Willow Breeze Hospice House. Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.

Darlene was born October 10, 1929 at Charleston, daughter of Jesse C. and Florence J. (Jones) Ferguson. She married Lawrence Alvin Coartney, June 1, 1952 at the Enon Baptist Church; he preceded her into Heaven January 1, 2011. Darlene is survived by her daughter, Julie Malia McDivitt and husband Del; daughter-in-law, Debi Coartney; grandchildren, Brandon Mitchell (Carissa) Garrett, Rusty Alvin (Maggie) Coartney, Shane Nathaniel (Ashley) Coartney, and Chelsea Jo (Cole) Vietor; great-grandchildren; Aislin Ann Garrett, Fiona Michelle Garrett, Bodie Mitchell Garrett, Alvin Blake Garrett, Isaac Allen Morgan, Chloe Abigail Coartney, Maddie Grace Coartney, Cullen Jay Vietor, and Conley Jude Vietor; as well as four nephews, Alvin, Ronnie, and Randy Cassiday, and Mike Ferguson; and one niece, Tammy Faulkner. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son, Jerry Alvin Coartney, a sister, Elizabeth Cassiday; two brothers, Arlin Neal Ferguson and Clifford Randall Ferguson; and a niece, Karen Jean Pruitt.

Darlene was a member of Enon Baptist Church, Ashmore Illinois and lived a life of faith and dedication to her Lord and Savior and worked numerous hours in the church nursery and helping with Bible School. She was a member of the Coles County Farm Bureau Women's Committee. Darlene loved taking care of her flowers both inside and out. She would often use the beautiful blooms to decorate the Church vestibule and altar or give as gifts to friends and family. One of Darlene’s greatest accomplishments was being a Farmer’s Wife. She cooked hot meals for the farm hands and friends who helped with farming, bailing hay, and taking care of the animals. She also provided treats for numerous 4-H meetings and events. Darlene loved to cook and her tasty dishes could be found at all church gatherings and family get togethers. She was an awesome baker and made special occasion cakes for Weddings, Birthdays, Baby Showers and special events. One of her favorite pastimes was sewing, quilting, and crocheting for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Each has a special piece that Grandma made just for them.

Darlene was a quiet loving dedicated Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and friend. As we celebrate her, we know that we will be together again.