Darlene Stokes

Darlene (Dolly) Hollyce Embertson Stokes, 91, of Fergus Falls, formerly of Eau Claire, WI, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Pioneer Care Nursing Home. Although suffering from dementia, she greeted staff cheerfully and spent her last year’s holding her Bible and singing along with hymn CDs.

Dolly was born on April 15, 1929 in Eau Claire, WI, the fourth of five children, to Eddie and Jonethe Embertson. Darlene attended school in Eau Claire but then spent her senior year of high school at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, MN. .She graduated in 1947.

Darlene spent time working in Minneapolis along with her sister Joyce, and then returned to Eau Claire to work as an administrative clerk for the Health Department. After marrying, she worked alongside of her husband at Stokes and Sons Funeral Home. She bore three sons and a daughter. After raising her children, Dolly worked as a sales representative for H.C.Prange, later Younkers, establishing friendships with returning customers. She earned lifetime rewards after working for them for over 25 years.

On her free time, Dolly could be found at church or in her gardens. The Embertson sisters began singing hymns together while doing dishes at home, creating beautiful harmonies. They then began to sing for special events at church. Dolly also sang in the church choir for many years. On Sunday mornings, she was found teaching young children about Jesus and God’s Word through the Sunday School ministry. In later years, she served on the Deacon Board and the Sunshine Committee, bringing cheer to home-bound people.

Darlene loved a good campfire in the backyard fire pit, even before it became popular. She always had hot dogs, baked beans and coffee ready for anyone who could drop by for a chat. Grandchildren remember raking leaves and burning the pile. Her back yard was surrounded by lilacs and filled with various flower beds that she faithfully tended. Wintertime found her doing needle work such as knitting and embroidery. She also entertained family and friends with a good movie and a fire in the fireplace.

Through the troubles and toils of her life, Darlene leaned on God and her faith in Jesus for her strength. Her hope remained in heaven until, through the door of death, she reached the arms of Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Richard, and sisters Beatrice and Joyce.

Darlene is survived by her sister, Gloria Ganther of Eau Claire; sons Chuck Stokes, Greg Stokes, and Chris Stokes, all of Eau Claire, and daughter Melissa Pribbenow of Fergus Falls, MN; ten grandchildren, Angie Stokes, Heidi Calchera, Arizona Heeren, Kelly Stokes, Shaun Stokes, Aaron Stokes, Emily Eggiman, Elias Pribbenow, Elliot Pribbenow, and Elise Pribbenow; and nine great-grandchildren, Scout Stokes, Keegan Calchera, Carson Calchera, Kylee Calchera, Riley Heeren, Tucker Heeren, Cal Heeren, Harper Stokes, and Sophia Stokes; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

Blessed be the memory of Darlene Stokes.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2020 at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 123 W. Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire with Pastor Brian Quade officiating. There will be no visitation prior. Burial will be in the Norwegian Lutheran Cemetery in Eau Claire.