Darlene Mary Yock
June 15, 1934-August 26, 2023


Darlene Mary (Terrock) Yock passed into eternity on August 26, 2023, at the age of 89. She was a beloved mother, friend, and teacher.

Born in Clinton, Iowa on June 15,1934, she and her sisters, Dorothy and Maxine, and her brother, Fred, were raised by their parents, Max and Adelia Terrock. She lived near her grandparents and enjoyed spending time with them, often spending the night and helping them with projects. She had wonderful stories of times spent with her cousins and childhood friends who also graduated from Lyons High School.

Darlene married Richard Yock on July 9,1960, and they had two daughters, Elizabeth and Julie. They lived in Tipton, Iowa City, and Bettendorf, Iowa before moving to Rockford, Illinois in 1970.

A teacher, who eventually earned her Master of Arts degree, she loved helping children learn about the world around them. A social studies teacher at heart, Darlene traveled extensively throughout the United States and around the world and brought back stories that captivated her students.

Darlene stayed at home to raise her daughters and was active as a room mother at Rockford Christian Elementary School, where she also served on the school board. Once the girls were in college, she worked at Rockford College before eventually returning to the middle-school classroom. After retiring, she worked with her daughter, Julie, on the Manzullo for Congress campaign.

She loved to garden and landscape her beautiful yards. Some of her favorite plants were the peonies from her dad, hot pink geraniums, Gerber daisies, and zinnias. A wonderful and warm hostess, many have shared stories about how much they loved talking with her. Throughout the years, family and friends knew that she provided a listening ear and compassionate heart. When her daughters were involved with a young adult group called Roaring Twenties, she welcomed their friends into their home, where they bonded over a shared faith and hours of laughter.

Darlene used her artistic skills to explore all types of crafts, including sewing, crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, painting, and stained glass. A member of the Sinnissippi Quilters Guild, she created beautiful quilts that are treasured by her daughters. She was a homemaker who loved to cook and bake.

After selling the home on Thornwood Drive, she lived in the Preservation Pointe condo community, where she met many dear friends, served on the association board, and enjoyed welcoming new neighbors. She attended Stonebridge Church with her daughters and loved to sing hymns.

During her last nine years, Darlene lived at Wesley Willows where she made more friends and was cared for by many wonderful people who helped her overcome daily challenges. Her daughters would like to thank the staff that went above and beyond in their care of her, including facilitating visits at the window during the COVID lockdown.

After a long battle with Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementia, she is now at peace. She leaves behind her daughters, who love her and consider her a blessing from God. The final years were difficult, but the Lord walked beside them. They were blessed to see all the ways in which God worked through the details.

Darlene was predeceased by her parents, sisters, brother, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law. She is survived by her former husband and children, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

The family appreciates the many visits by Pastor Scott Nesse, who is a true shepherd. They would like to thank the team from Northern Illinois Hospice for their compassionate care and dear friends, Sue Champion, Tamara Harrop, Diane Kizewski, and Hope Hafstedt, who walked through the journey with them.

A private celebration of life will be held for family and friends at her daughters' home. Grace Funeral & Cremation Serivces assisted the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .