Darlene Faye (Vannett) Kolobakken was born on May 27, 1943, in Minot, ND, the daughter of Earl LeRoy Vannett and Murrine Ruth (Lindbo) Vannett. She was raised along with her siblings in Minot, ND, and graduated from Minot High School in May of 1961.
In July of 1963, Darlene married Ronald Kolobakken in Minot and they resided there to start their new life together. On February 13, 1965, a son, Brent, was born, and on April 24, 1966, a daughter, Brenda, was born. Early on, Darlene taught her children the importance of a good education through her example. Darlene worked as a CNA at Trinity Nursing Home for several years. She always had the desire to grow in her profession and improve her stature in life. Darlene completed the equivalent of two years of nursing school in one year. She graduated from the North Dakota State School of Science in 1978, became a Licensed Practical Nurse, and became Charge Nurse at Trinity Nursing Home.
Darlene lived in Minot, ND most of her life until the age of 68 when she longed for a change of scenery, a warmer climate and to be closer to her younger sister, Lovella Gail (Vannett) Hymes, so she moved to Aberdeen, NC. During her time in NC, Darlene loved going to church. She attended the Baptist Church in Aberdeen and attended church with her sister Lovella. She Loved spending time at Lovella’s house to sit on her back deck, read books and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. Growing flowers and plants to decorate her home was her passion. Darlene loved going out for pizza as often as possible. She would spend holidays and events at her niece’s house and with her extended family. She is missed by her neighbors and friends in her close-knit circle. After 10 years in NC, a new adventure sent her to more family in Billings, MT. During her time in Billings, she enjoyed the various activities offered at the Aspen View retirement facility. On the weekends she would enjoy meeting up with her brother Bruce for pizza at a local pizza restaurant and going to garage sales to find bargains and knick-knacks for decorating her apartment. After an extended illness in the fall of 2022, Darlene passed away on December 22, 2022.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Murrine Ruth Vannett, and Earl LeRoy Vannett; brothers, David Thomas Vannett and Willard Earl Vannett; and sister, Connie Rae (Vannett) Papay. She is survived by her two children, Brent Lee Kolobakken and Brenda Lee Kolobakken; grandchildren Travis James, Jaden, Sierra, and Bryce; sisters, Ruth Edna (Vannett) Fred, Pearl Marie (Vannett) Griffin, Marlene Olive (Vannett) Tiller, and Lovella Gail (Vannett) Hymes; and her brothers Leroy Marvin Vannett and Bruce Arlo Vannett.
A Memorial Service will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Avenue, Billings, MT 59101, on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 11:00 am.
