Darlys Crees

Darlys Crees, 61, of Lansing, formerly of Greenfield, passed away Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, WI. She suffered from a ruptured brain aneurysm early Thursday morning, January 19 and did not recover. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, January 28 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield with Father Mike McLaughlin officiating the service.

Darlys Marie Crees was born April 8, 1955, the daughter of Wendell and Edna Richardson. She was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, mentor, teacher and friend.

After graduating from Laurens-Marathon High School, she proceeded to obtain her teaching degree from Morningside College in Sioux City. Shortly after moving to Greenfield to teach in 1977, she met Stan. Darlys and Stan were married for over 38 years and have two wonderful children and five amazing grandchildren. They lived and worked in Greenfield making many wonderful friends. In 2014, they moved to Lansing.

Darlys loved children. She retired from teaching after 30 years and still went back to sub often. She also spent many hours doing activities with her grandchildren. She was very giving of her love, time and talents, always putting others first - and was very patient. Darlys was very crafty. There was nothing she couldn't do. She loved baking and cooking for others. She always had many projects going - making doll clothes, crocheting blankets, or hemming numerous pairs of pants for growing grandchildren.  She loved traveling and took many camping trips.

Darlys was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her mother, Edna Richardson; her husband, Stan; two children, Charlie (Katie) Crees and Liz Crees (Jeremy Chirch); her grandchildren: Rykin, Ethan, Kylar, Xander and Mackenzie; her seven sisters; and many other family and friends.

As we begin mourning the loss of a life we held so closely, she is still giving to others.  Darlys donated her kidneys, liver and lungs to save waiting recipients, as well as other gifts to aid in research to help many more. Darlys will be genuinely missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Darlys Crees education scholarship fund, in care of Union State Bank, P.O. Box 178, Greenfield, IA 50849. This scholarship will aid others whose dream is to touch lives like she did.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.steenfunerals.com. The Steen Funeral Home of Greenfield is in charge of professional arrangements.