Cheryl “Darlene” (Wilkerson) Taft, age, 62, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at Raton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Raton, New Mexico. After her battle with a lengthy illness she peacefully went to meet her Lord and Savior with her loving family aby her side.
Darlene was taught early on the importance of good work ethic from daddy and mother.
Growing up in a household of 9 family members her Mother Neoma would have Darlene at a young age stand on a stool built by her brothers so that she could reach the sink to wash the supper dishes. Darlene recalled having to change the water at least 3 times. To earn money to provide for her teenage needs. Darlene did everything form shining her brothers shoes to following her brother Marvin around the streets with a gas can while he pushed her mower.
Darlene was very artistic and had the gift of writing poetry. She composed several very special poems about her daddy and the rest of their family. She was her daddy’s special, “Lady Bug.” Darlene was also an avid gardener and grew some of the prettiest flowers in Raton. She was very proud of her garden and loved to share it with anyone who wanted to come and visit. If you couldn’t find her in the garden you would find her baking the best coconut cream pie and chocolate cream torte. She had a way of translating her love into the food she made.
Darlene obtained her CAN and worked many years at Sunbridge, Casa Del Sol, and the offices of Doctor Tiku.
Most families would utilize WEBMD for home remedies, Darlene MD is what her family would use for their ailments. Her most famous prescription was iodone, Darlene believed iodone would cure just about anything.
Darlene’s influence expanded past the medial field, she was an insightful and enlightened a person to ask for advice. She had a special brand of blunt force honesty wh9ch reduce a person to the 7 stage of acceptance. This special conversation with Darlene would leave you with a renewed vigor of solving your problem.
Darlene is survived by her husband John Taft of 32 years, her daughter and husband Stephanie and Matt Santistevan of Pueblo West, CO. Her mother Neoma Wilkerson of Spearman Texas, her brothers and their wives: Roddy and Stephanie Woodson of Garland, TX, Roy and Melinda Woodson of Lewisville, TX, William and Mary Wilkerson of Flint, TX, Anthony and Linda Allegan, MI, her grandchildren Zeke (boohoo) and wife Alyssa Sanchez of Raton, NM, Jayden, Matthew (Bubba), and Lainey Santistevan of Pueblo West, CO, along with many nieces nephews, family and her dearest friends Loretta Sanchez and Frank Romero.
Darlene was preceded in death by her daddy Will Wilkerson as well as her grandparents and other family members.
A life Celebration for Cheryl “Darlene” (Wilkerson) Taft will be October 21st, 2017 in the chapel of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home. Rite of committal and interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Funeral Arrangements for Cheryl “Darlene” (Wilkerson) Taft, are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home. Flowers in memory of Darlene can be sent to the Funeral Home so Darlene may be surrounded by what she loved.
I loved working with Darlene at Dr. Tikus office she was a true friend to me and I was so blessed to call her my friend. I will miss her greatly.
Love and prayers for all who loves her!