Darlene Cora Schulte, nee Zotz, age 68, lifelong resident of O'Fallon, passed away in her sleep on Thursday, July 13, 2017. She was born on November 9, 1948 to Leroy "Bill" and Verla, nee Keck, Zotz.

Darlene married the love of her life, Ralph Schulte of Trenton on February 3, 1968. He passed away on November 5, 2004. Together, they grew a beautiful family, home, and landscaped grounds. Darlene was an impeccable housekeeper and gardener. Her home hosted two weddings, several anniversary parties, retirement parties, 4 ^th of July fireworks, fall bonfires, and too-many-to-count family gatherings. She worked tirelessly for her family and home. Words cannot express the loss but there is no doubt that she and Ralph are dancing together again.

She retired in 2005 from Scott Air Force Base where she worked for 37 years.

In addition to her dear Ralph and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Cletus Zotz in 2016.

Surviving are her two daughters and their families, Lesa (Monty) Van Hoose and son Ryan Davis; Stacey (Michael) Countryman and children Cheyenne Countryman, Krislyn Schulte, Hayden Countryman, and Reegan Countryman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Mary Kay Zotz, Donald (Mary) Schulte, Russ Schulte, Donna (Delain) Martin, Mary Jo Smith, and Cathy (Marvin) Middendorf, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude's Children's Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon.

Funeral: 10:00 am, Monday, July 17, 2017, at the funeral home with Rev. Christy Eckert officiating. Burial will be at College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, followed by a luncheon at O'Fallon United Church of Christ.