Darlene R. Elkins, 83, of Sheridan, died Monday, July 11, 2011 in Westview Health Care Center with family at her side.

Mrs. Elkins was born February 7, 1928 in Clearmont, Wyoming to Johnny and Lucille (Irwin) Baker. She grew up and attended schools in Gillette, Wyoming through her junior year of high school, then moved to Sheridan and graduated from Sheridan High School.

Darlene married John (Jack) Elkins June 8, 1946 in Billings, Montana. She worked in credit management for Montgomery Ward and Sears-Roebuck stores. The couple also owned and operated the Lariat Motel in Sheridan for a number of years.

Mrs. Elkins enjoyed spending time with her many pets through the years, traveling with her family, going on cruises, and taking balloon trips. She especially enjoyed her trip to France. Darlene enjoyed making costumes and clothes for her grandchildren. She also loved playing cards and an occasional trip to Deadwood.

Darlene was preceded in death by her father, Johnny Baker; mother, Lucille Wilson; and her step-father, Laeyton Wilson.

She is survived by two sons, John (Nancy) Elkins, of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Jerry (Rebecca) Elkins, of Eureka, Nevada; seven grandchildren, Alyssa (Randy) Jolovich, of Dayton, Wyoming, Kimberly Brown, of Sheridan, Wyoming, Jason, (Tuanya) Elkins, of Vermont, John Elkins, of Casper, Wyoming, Justin (Angie) Elkins, of Montana, Heather (Mike) Jones, of Colorado, and Selina (Todd) Nohr, of North Dakota; and 20 great grandchildren.

Inurnment will be 1:00 P. M. Thursday, July 14, 2011 in the Oregon Trail State Veteran’s Cemetery, Evansville, Wyoming with her son, John Elkins, officiating, and her daughter-in-law, Rebecca Elkins, performing a solo. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials in memory of Mrs. Elkins may be made to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter, 84 East Ridge Road, Sheridan, WY 82801.

SheridanMedia.com - July 12, 2011.