Cleo Darnell

As the snowflakes started to fall on Christmas Eve, Mom retraced their origins back into the clouds and joined her angels that have watched over her for so many years. Born in the Texas panhandle in 1913 to Arthur C. and Lulu Belle Noland, Cleo and her older brother Paul lived a dirt farming life until about 1918 when the family packed up and moved to Venice Beach, Ca. where Cleo found her new passion of dancing in the ballrooms on the piers. For a nickel a night, you could dance your heart out to the big bands. She worked for the original See's Candies in Los Angeles and even did odd jobs for a biplane wing walker that earned her free rides (in the cockpit). Cleo met the love of her life, Gail Vance before World War II, but they waited until the war ended to be married. Their first born was Steven. Gail was a Baker by trade and they tried their hand with Vance's Bakery in the San Fernando Valley, but after daughter Susan was born in 1948, finances were just too tight, and they had to sell. Cleo raised the kids and was active in PTA, Brownies, and Girl Scouts in Los Angeles. She also raised hundreds of roses as a hobby. Cleo's biggest heartbreak came in 1972 when Gail passed away. Years later Cleo married Gordon Darnell and had an active life playing Bridge, working with HOAs, and other community activities. Gordon passed after 20 years of marriage and Cleo decided to join Susan in Ft. Collins. Cleo lived at the Worthington Apartments for 14 years where she played Bridge and formed their Friday Afternoon Club. Cleo is predeceased by her husband Gail Vance, her parents, beloved brothers Russell, baby Arthur C, and Paul Noland, and many many friends. Survivors include Steven Vance (and Shirley and granddaughter Ashley) of Oceanside, Ca., Susan Vance (and Lorraine Fratelli) of Ft. Collins, grandson Mark Vance (and his mom Alicia) of Downey, Ca., stepson Darrell Darnell (and Jan Knight) of Bellingham, Wa., and close friends Jim Adams of Bellvue, Co. and Art and Mary McClinton of Sun City West, Az. We would like to thank so many people at Columbine West, New Mercer, and The Worthington for being so attentive to Mom over the years. You all ARE THE BEST! A celebration of her life will take place in California at a later time. In the meantime, Cleo would want you to tip a glass in her honor and be kind to one another. In lieu of flowers, cards, or gifts, please consider a donation to the SAFE KIDS COALITION OF LARIMER COUNTY (www.safekidslcc.org).

Cleo Darnell

June 7, 1913 - December 24, 2012