Darlien Ann (Simon) Rans

Darlien Ann Rans, 96, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2017, at her home in Manchester. She was born on March 28, 1921, in Mitchell, South Dakota, the daughter of Harry and Claudine (Hilby) Simon. Darlien was raised in the area and graduated from Mitchell High School. She worked at Marquette National Bank in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Darlien then attended vocational school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was assigned to work at the Chrysler plant as an inspector of the B-29 war planes until the end of the war. Darlien moved to Iowa to join her parents. After WWII ended, George stopped by the farm in Iowa to see her on his way home and thus their journey began.

On February 18, 1947, Darlien was united in marriage to George Floyd Rans at the Immaculate Conception Church by Father O’Sullivan in Masonville, Iowa. Together they raised eleven children. The couple farmed together in rural Delaware County until 1972. Darlien worked for the Schultz Bros department store for 12 years. George passed away on May 6, 2008.

Darlien dedicated her whole life to her children. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Darlien enjoyed traveling and visited many places including, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Lake of the Ozarks, San Diego, Wyoming, Texas, Cancun, and Punta Canta. She also loved gardening and had a true green thumb. Darlien and George loved to dance and she shared that passion with all of her daughters. She loved to crochet and spent many hours making afghans for her grandchildren.

Survivors include her nine children, Judy (Jim) Errthum of Manchester, Doug (Mona) Rans of Manchester, Elaine (Ed) Crane of Center Point, Donna (Jan) Meyer of Manchester, Mary Kay Rans, Jane Ramthun, Janet (Dennis Glynn) Rans all of Nevada, Sheila (Brian Roling) Brown of Manchester, and Angie (Todd) Summers of Masonville; 35 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; her sister, Helen Sheston of Dubuque; daughter-in-law, Karen Rans of Dubuque; son-in-law, Bill Gearhart of Manchester; and many nieces and nephews.

Darlien was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George Rans; her daughter, Diane Gearhart; her son, Virgil Rans; great-grandson, Colton Meyer; one sister, Dorothy Simon; and a brother-in-law, Bill Sheston.

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