Darla Delene Butler

Darla was born on June 16, 1937, in Garnett, Kansas, to the Coleman family. As a young child, she moved to Denver, Colorado, and several years later made her home in Clifton, where she built a life filled with friendship, kindness, and love.

She was immensely proud to be a graduate of Central High School, Class of 1955, and treasured her lifelong friendships, faithfully attending monthly luncheons with her classmates. Darla truly never met a stranger—her warmth, easy smile, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel welcome.

In her working years, Darla was employed at Tempo, later moving to Kmart, where she served as Personnel Manager until her retirement. Through her career, she formed many lasting friendships that remained active and meaningful throughout her life.

Darla found joy in the simple, beautiful moments—watching the birds, doting on her beloved cat, and spending time with the people she loved. She had a gentle soul and a generous heart, always ready with kindness and conversation.

She was preceded in death by her husband Louis Ward; the love of her life, Henry Butler; her partner Rolland Averill; her son Lyndell Ward; her daughter Penny Ward; and her granddaughter Katie Thompson.

She is lovingly survived by her daughter Lisa Ward and son Tyrone Martinez; grandchildren Katherine Hattar, McKenzie Winters, and Austin Ward; and great-grandchildren Sager and Zeki Hattar, Ariah Winters, Avery and Brealyn Crider, and Dylan, Dusty, and Clancey Ward. Her legacy lives on through each of them.

Services will be held at Martin Mortuary, where family and friends will gather to celebrate a life well lived and a woman deeply loved. The viewing will begin on the 21st of February at 9 AM, with a Celebration of life to follow at 10 AM in the chapel. There will be a short Graveside at Memorial Gardens that will conclude the celebration.

Darla will be remembered for her kindness, her friendships, and the quiet grace with which she lived her life.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter or Hopewest Hospice Grand Junction, CO.