Obituary of Darlene F. Luke

Darlene Faye Luke, 77, of Ashtabula passed away on May 1, 2023 at UH -Portage Medical Center. She was born December 4, 1945 in Painesville, the daughter of Samuel and Bertha (Manley) Peterson and had been an Ashtabula area resident most of her life. A 1963 graduate of Ashtabula High School, she was a fierce woman who knew what she wanted in life. She met the love of her life, Merl “Curry” Luke at age 13 and was married on May 29, 1964. Together, they raised four children. She loved to paint, sew and be a mother. Over the years, she was a “mom” to many of her children’s friends, always offering a safe haven, warm meal and a bed to any who had the need. Once her children left home, being with her life partner Curry was all she needed until her grandchildren came. The first, Tara, brought her ultimate joy, then came Johnathan and Brandon, whom she and Curry raised as their own. Just when she thought her heart was full, Kaitlyn came and brought her even more happiness, then Ashley, Kayla, Antonio, Chris, Emily, Stephanie, Amillia, Haile, Jesse and Seiana, and seven great-grandchildren, whom she loved with all of her being. Nothing brought Darlene more happiness than being surrounded by her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found and became very close with her sisters Donna Murphy and Barb Steiner of LaRue, Ohio and Zelma Hutchinson of Marion, Ohio among her other siblings Martha Thomas, and William, Jesse, and Lloyd Abrams during the last years of her life. She is survived by her loving and amazing husband, Merl “Curry” Luke, Sr.; her four children, Jerry Luke, Lisa Hawkins, Merl Luke, Jr. and Gary Luke; fourteen grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 5 sisters and brothers. She was preceded in death by her parents Samuel Peterson and Bertha Abrams and three siblings Delores Baker, Martha Thomas, and Lloyd Abrams. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-3PM on what would have been their 59th anniversary, Monday, May 29, 2023 at the American Legion Dewey-Howlett Post #103, 1804 West 9th St., Ashtabula. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the family can be made via her daughter, Lisa Hawkins. Online obituary and condolences can be left at www.ducro.com. DUCRO FUNERAL SERVICES AND CREMATORY is in charge of arrangements.