Mary Darlene Grahl of Denton, who was known to those who loved her as Darlene, went peacefully to be with the Lord at the age of 73 on July 20, 2021. She was born and raised in Denton, Texas to parents George T. and Mary Ruth Housden Lillard.

Darlene was a quiet woman with a beautiful laugh and loving heart. She spent most of her days caring for her family and garden. Before becoming a mother, she graduated from Denton High and went on to further her education at IBM college in Sherman, TX. She spent 25 years working as a ring sizer at Jostens before retiring in 2017.

She loved working around the yard and watching her flowers bloom. She enjoyed eating fresh squash from her garden, cooking, baking, and loved a good taco. She was her happiest sharing those moments with her son.

Darlene is survived by her son Christopher Grahl and his partner Rachel Stroud, her brothers Wendell Lillard and his wife Donna, Tony Lillard, and John Lillard, all of Denton TX. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters in law, Stephanie Lillard and Maydell Lillard, as well as her only sister (and best friend in the world) Kathy Lillard.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Amity Hospice for everything they have done for Darlene and her family. Each of you made her last few months the best they could be. Thank you.