Darlene Coonts

Darlene Nell Grace Coonts, daughter of the late George and Weltha (Donavan) Bienfang, was born December 7, 1950, in Merrill, Wisconsin. She passed away on August 1, 2026, in Mountain Grove, Missouri, at the age of 75 years, 7 months, and 25 days.

Darlene grew up and attended school in Merrill. She married the love of her life, Donnie Coonts, on April 24, 1971. She was the mother of two sons, Larry “Tooty” Coonts and Rocky Coonts. They moved to Missouri in 1979. Darlene worked at the Gentryville store and at Shetler’s Country Store for several years. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mountain Grove. Darlene enjoyed “Jeeping,” horseback riding, and puzzles. Her greatest joy was spending time with family.

Besides her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by four brothers, Larry, Harold, George “Sonny”, and Michael Bienfang; four sisters, Sheila Little, Margaret Cornett, Beverly Clayton, and Dawn Bienfang; one son, Larry “Tooty” Coonts; and husband, Donnie Coonts.

Darlene is survived by one son, Rocky (Doni) Coonts of Mountain Grove; five sisters, Patricia Rassmusen of Rockford, Illinois, Shirley Weiderhoeft, Bonnie Dallman, and Nancy Smith all of Merrill, Wisconsin, and Linda (Andy) McCray of Chana, Illinois; five grandchildren, Taylor, Melissa, Cadence, Cody, and Kimberly; eight great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Home Cemetery or Sacred Heart Catholic Church.