Darlene Joyce Gumz
Born on October 20, 1947 in Albuquerque, NM to Lemuel “son” and Mandie Hale. She passed away peacefully at home on October 21, 2025 surrounded by family and close friends.
Darlene was a respiratory therapist in Louisiana for many years. In 1988 Darlene moved to Trinidad where she met the love of her life Charlie (Carl) Gumz. After moving to Trinidad with her son Darlene returned to school where she obtained her nursing degree. She was a nurse for almost 40 years and had many friends and coworkers that adored her. Darlene always wanted to help anyone that was in need and never met a stranger. She loved to cook and would always make sure that you were fed a good meal before leaving her home. She also enjoyed canning every year in her spare time.
Darlene had a passion for animals that started in her youth when she worked with poultry at Texas A&M University. She had a deep love for animals and surrounded herself with chickens, geese, cats, dogs, and her horse. Her animals on her “funny farm” were her life.
Darlene is preceded in death by her parents Lemuel “Son” and Mandie Hale.
She is survived by her husband Charlie, her son Mark (Liz) Lyles of Trinidad, Colorado; her daughter Mary (Brian) Kemp of Superior, Colorado; her sister Jerry (Billy) Riser of Aurora, Colorado; seven grandchildren: Mandie, Jasmine, Sebastian, Josh, Annabelle, Adalynn and Remington. Her two nephews Graeme and Patrick (Gabrielle) and numerous other relatives and friends throughout Colorado and Louisiana.
Her family wants to thank Dr. Valerie Borsa and the amazing staff at Mt. Rose Hospice. We are especially grateful to the amazing people with Trinidad Ambulance District for ensuring that she was home and able to fulfill her bucket list of things she wanted to do prior to her peaceful passing. Both of these amazing organizations were a great comfort in this time. Also, a special thank you to Kitsy Winters from Comi’s funeral home for helping during this difficult time and for being such an amazing friend to Darlene for so many years.
Darlene did not want a funeral as she preferred to have everyone smiling and happy and would not want to be mourned. However, the family will have a Celebration of her life to be announced in the upcoming weeks.
