Darlene Collins Piper

Darlene Ellen was born to Agnus and Norman Saltz in Tilden, Nebraska on June 17, 1929. She had two older brothers, Donald and Lloyd. She was raised in part by her loving grandparents Fred and Mary Meyers.

Darlene passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on February 12th with her children by her side.

Darlene married Don Collins in October 1946 and was married for almost 50 years until his passing in 1996. She was a loving wife, excellent homemaker, and nurturing mother to Daniel, Donelle, and Drew. She always loved children, and all of her grandchildren were the joy of her life.

Darlene married Dave Piper in 1999. They enjoyed over 20 years together, navigating the joys and challenges of being parents to their adult children, and delighting in their grandchildren.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers; her husband, Don; husband, Dave; and her beloved son, Danny.

She is survived by her daughter Donelle (Stephen) Kirsch of Omaha, Nebraska and son Drew (Jennifer) Collins of Clinton, Missouri.

Former daughter in law, Peg Collins.

Daughters from her second marriage: Linda (Thomas) Scholz, Brenda (Frank) Teplitsky, and Lisa (Cecil) Garcia.

Grandchildren: Shayla Kirsch, Selena (Brett) Tavener, Matt (Nancy) Collins, Erica (Patrick) Amos, Audrey (Oscar) Arguellez, Benjamin (Brianna) Collins, Julia (Gabe) Wood, and Natalie Collins.

Great grandchildren: Jacob Thornhill, Liam Thornhill, Braeden (Narella) Thornhill, Ethan Tavener, and Alexina Mae Collins.

Great-great grandchild: Forest Thornhill.

Grandchildren from her second marriage: Joe Teplitsky, Benjamin (Kallie) Scholz, and Sophia Scholz.

She was loved and cherished by her family who would like to thank the care staff at Immanuel Village assisted living and Peaceful Hearts Hospice for their compassionate care.

Please join us in celebrating Darlene's life. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow at the same location, beginning at 11:00 am.

Darlene will be laid to rest at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park.