Darlene was a devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother. She was born on December 9th, 1937, at Sutherland Hospital, to Leonard Alvin Wever and Lulu Mae (Wever) Wever. She was a 1955 graduate of Sutherland High School. Darlene was united in marriage to Derald Leaf on September 2nd, 1962, and was happily blessed with two children: daughter, Rhonda (Leaf) Bartels, and son, Dayton Leaf.
Throughout Darlene’s life, she was a homemaker while raising her children. She moved to Lincoln in 1979 and worked for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture as a clerk for 17 years. After Darlene’s divorce, she met the next love of her life, William Sanders, and was happily united in marriage on July 1st, 1987, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
William and Darlene moved to Missouri and enjoyed traveling and seeing attractions throughout the United States in their retirement. She enjoyed crafts of all kinds, reading, putting puzzles together, and baking desserts.
In 2015, Darlene moved back to Lincoln, Nebraska, to be closer to family. She continued her hobbies and enjoyed being involved with family and friends.
Darlene is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Bartels, granddaughter Mindy, and other family.
She was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Lulu Wever, first husband Derald Leaf, husband William Sanders, son-in-law James Bartels, and son Dayton Leaf.
A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm with family present, Thursday, September 4th, 2025, at Roper and Sons, 4300 O St, Lincoln, NE 68510.
Interment will be held on September 5th, 2025, at Riverside Cemetery in rural Hershey, Nebraska. A graveside service will be held at 1 pm.
Memorials to the family for future designation.