Darlene K. Updegrove, 83, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was called home to be with the Lord on March 4, 2026. She was born on August 25, 1942, in Williamstown, Pennsylvania.

She is reunited in heaven with her mother, Geraldine Shomper, and her daughter, Kammy Updegrove, and likely her many dogs who were her companions.

Darlene faithfully served as a missionary in Sierra Leone, West Africa, from 1970 to 1974, dedicating her life to sharing the love of Christ. Her strong faith in God was evident to everyone who knew her.

She fiercely loved her family, her friends, and her neighbors. Darlene had a special gift for connecting with people and welcoming anyone she met as if they were an old friend. Most of all, she loved her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Her entire life was dedicated to helping others come to know the one and only Savior of this world.

Throughout her life she endured many hardships and pains, yet nothing ever shook her faith in God. She knew that God gave her deep purpose wherever He placed her. God used her persistent and strong testimony to sow and strengthen many seeds of the Kingdom.

Darlene was a beloved mother, grandmother, mentor, and friend who was loved by anyone who had the privilege of meeting her.

She is survived by her sister, Nancy Chacon; her daughter, Kimm Loewen; her son, Joseph Updegrove; her three grandsons, Jonah Updegrove, Josiah Beck, and Jordan Updegrove; and her beloved dog, Sole.

She will be deeply missed, but to her family and fellow believers, this is not goodbye. As Christians, we know we will see her again.

Donations in honor of Darlene may be directed to  Humane Fort Wayne. Humane Fort Wayne