Darlene K. Mallernee

Darlene K. Mallernee, age 71, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday, March 31, 2012, in Morton Plant Hospital at Clearwater, Florida following a brief illness.

A daughter of the late Kenneth and Matilda (Schwartz) Harrison, Darlene was born at Dover, Ohio on February 5, 1941.

Darlene graduated from New Philadelphia High School and married Robert “Jerry” Mallernee at Springfield, Ohio on September 11, 1960.

For a number of years, Darlene served the New Philadelphia City Schools as a teacher’s aide. Alongside her husband, Jerry, Darlene also cleaned a number of houses and area businesses.

Upon their retirement, Darlene and Jerry enjoyed spending the winter months at their Holiday, Florida residence, Tiki Village, where she was an active part in the community’s social committee.

She was a long-time member of Otterbein United Methodist Church, and also belonged to an area sewing circle, where she not only enjoyed sewing; but also enjoyed the fellowship. Most of all, Darlene loved being with her family and especially enjoyed traveling to and watching her grandchildren’s sporting events.

In addition to her husband, Darlene is survived by two sons, Andy Mallernee of Oak Harbor, Ohio and Scott (Paula) Mallernee of Keller, Texas; and a brother, David Harrison of North Canton, Ohio.

Five grandchildren, Mike, Brian, Joey, Emily and Jeffrey complete the family.

In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Bobby Harrison.

All are invited to share with the family on Friday, April 6, 2012 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Rev. Tim McCollum will lead a funeral service celebrating Darlene’s life on Saturday, April 7 at 10:30 AM in the funeral home’s chapel where an additional hour of visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 – 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.

Following services, the family wishes to invite guests to join them in the social hall of the Otterbein United Methodist Church where food and fellowship will be shared.

Memorial contributions in Darlene’s name may be directed to the Otterbein United Methodist Church, 156 Beaver Avenue, NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to the American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad Street, Canfield, Ohio 44406.