Darlene Rae (Braun) Hale, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026.

Darlene was born on May 20, 1934, in Hammond, Indiana, to Walter and Ella (Meyer) Braun. She was raised in Matteson, Illinois. She met her husband, James Marvin Hale, in 1985 while they were both employed by Citicorp Acceptance Company in Houston, Texas. They were united in marriage on September 27, 1997.

Darlene served as church secretary at several Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod churches, including Resurrection Lutheran Church, where she served for eight years in a role she considered the most rewarding work of her life. She also worked as a secretary for Mitchell Energy and Citicorp Acceptance Company, and later as Office Manager for Double E Engineering until her retirement in 2002. She also served as Bookkeeper for her son Glenn's business (ACAD-Plus) for many years.

Darlene's faith, family, and friendships were among life's greatest blessings to her. A lifelong Missouri Synod Lutheran, she rarely missed worship services and was an active member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML).

Nothing brought Darlene greater joy than her family. She loved surrounding herself with photographs of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, often pausing at her cherished "family wall" to admire the pictures and share stories about those she loved so dearly. Her warmth, encouragement, and pride in her family were evident to everyone who knew her. She nurtured her children in the Christian faith and ensured they were raised with a foundation that served them well throughout their lives.

She also treasured her many lifelong friendships, especially the fellowship of her monthly bridge group, where she enjoyed playing cards and spending time with dear friends.

Darlene was a talented seamstress and home decorator. She sewed matching outfits for the entire family, including tailored suits, and her home was filled with her creations. Cross-stitching was one of Darlene's favorite pastimes, and her beautiful handiwork decorated her home throughout the changing seasons. She was an exceptional cook who loved entertaining and sharing her gifts with family and friends. Darlene also loved traveling with James and friends, experiencing many wonders around the world together.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ella Braun, and by her former husband and the father of her children, Robert ("Bob") Seehausen.

Darlene is survived by her husband of 28 years, James Marvin Hale; her sister, Myrna Eichhorn of Spooner, Wisconsin; her children, Debbie (Jimmie) Curry of Centerville, Texas; Randy (Paola) Seehausen of Bellaire, Texas; Glenn (Renee') Seehausen of Cypress, Texas; and Rick Seehausen of Dallas, Texas; former daughter-in-law Kelly Seehausen of Denver, Colorado; her grandchildren, Jimi (Carina), Elizabeth (Jason), Fred (Carolina), Paul (Aisha), Christian (Emily), Michelle (Kelley), Laura, Daniel (Sophie), Andrew, and Grant; her 14 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1612 Meadow Edge Lane, Spring, Texas, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Resurrection Lutheran Church Music Fund or a charity of your choice.