Darlene M. Bennett, age 88, of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away 4:15 A.M. Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at the Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab in Stronghurst, Illinois.

Darlene was born November 17, 1937 on the farm northeast of Macomb, Illinois, the daughter of Paul and Mignon (Elie) Thomson. On September 6, 1958 she married E. Dean Bennett at the Church of the Brethren in Canton, Illinois. He preceded her in death on March 26, 2024.

Darlene’s 1st and 2nd grade education began in a one room school near Cuba, Illinois. She later attended Smithfield Jr. High. She graduated from Cuba, Illinois High School in 1955 and Graham Hospital School of Nursing in Canton, Illinois in 1958. She worked for three years at the LaHarpe Hospital and ten years at the Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois before staying home to raise her family. Later, she helped for a short-time with Share and Care Preschool in LaHarpe. She enjoyed living on the farm outside of LaHarpe, prior to moving to town in 1987.

Mrs. Bennett was a member of the LaHarpe Christian Church and a long-time member of the LaHarpe Historical Society, where she helped with research, served as Secretary and Treasurer and was still active in writing their newsletters.

Survivors include two children: Mike (Hilary) Bennett of LaHarpe and Denise (Eric) Thompson of LaHarpe; three grandchildren: Kayla (Jamie) Taylor, Bart (Lacie) Thompson and Cole (Jenni) Thompson; six great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Penelope, Broderick and Nolan Thompson and Abigail and Harper Taylor and one brother: Leroy (Vicki) Thomson.

Besides her husband of 65 years, Dean, she was preceded in death by four brothers: David, Donald, Robert and Gale Thomson and her parents.

Friends may call from 2:00 until 7:00p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the LaHarpe Cemetery with Rev. Rick Goettsche officiating. A luncheon will follow at the LaHarpe Christian Church Fellowship Hall.

A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Fire Department or the LaHarpe Ambulance. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Darlene’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.