Ellen Darlene Roodhouse

Darlene Tharp Roodhouse, a dedicated speech pathologist, devoted wife, mother, and community leader, passed away at the age of 88, on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. She was born on August 20, 1937, in Kingston Mines. Darlene was the eldest of four daughters to Fred and Ellen Tharp.

She graduated from Timber Township High School and went on to live a life defined by resilience, achievement, and service.

At the age of 33, while raising her three children - Valerie, Denise, and Chris - Darlene embarked on an inspiring academic journey, earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees in Speech Pathology from Bradley University in just four years. Her career began in the public school system and soon led her to the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR), where she dedicated 25 years of service and ultimately became head of the Speech Department. It was there she met her husband of 36 years, James Roodhouse, with whom she shared a life filled with love, partnership, and adventure.

Beyond her professional achievements, Darlene was a respected leader in her field, serving in roles with the American Speech & Hearing Association. She was also deeply engaged with her alma mater, Bradley University, her church - Kingston Mines United Methodist Church - and her community.

An avid tennis player well into her early 80's, Darlene's competitive spirit and joy for the game matched her dedication to helping others. Her legacy is one of compassion, determination, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those around her.

After retiring, Darlene and Jim cherished time with their growing family, which includes 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, and 5 step-great-grandchildren. Together they traveled throughout the U.S., Great Britain, Europe, and the Middle East - including the Holy Land - and especially loved their time at their condo in Molokai, Hawaii.

Darlene is survived by her husband, James; children, Valerie (Robbie) Musgrave, Denise Dunn, and Christopher (Eric) Dunn; stepdaughter, Pamela (Kevin) Sheehan; and sisters, Nadine Robbins and Freda Miller.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Judy Null; and stepchildren, James Roodhouse and Deborah Miller.

Darlene's visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes in Pekin. An additional visitation will take place from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Kingston Mines United Methodist Church. Her funeral service will follow at 11:00 am also on Friday at the church. Burial will be in Kingston Mines Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kingston Mines United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate

Online condolences may be shared with Darlene's family at www.Preston-Hanley.com