Leona “Darlene” Boehm passed into eternal life on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 9:40 a.m., surrounded by family who faithfully cared for her in her final months. Darlene, more commonly referred to as “Nana” in her later years, was born in Crawfordsville, on March 5, 1949.
She met the love of her life, John Boehm, at Crawfordsville High School. John and Darlene were married at just 17 and 16 years old and began their life together in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, logging and splitting pulpwood. They later moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where they welcomed four children before returning to Ladoga. They remained happily married for 60 years.
She loved her family more deeply than anyone we have ever known. She poured her heart and soul into every single person she cared for. She loved to cook and care for her children and grandchildren. She loved mowing the grass. She loved building things without help. She loved hard work. She loved her husband and family. But most of all, she loved the Lord.
Nana never desired material things; she was the picture of godly contentment. There were good times and hard times, but even in the face of losing her grandson Garrett and later her son John, her faith never wavered. Even as her health declined, she never once complained. Instead, she continued to care more about the well-being of others than herself.
If Nana could share one thing with you today, we believe — without question — she would say: Nothing matters but salvation.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Leona Kyger; her grandson, Garrett M. Harper; and her son, John D. Boehm.
She is survived by her husband, John S. Boehm; daughters, Shawn Harper (Rob), Candice Peterson (Alan) and Melissa Byler (Ken); daughter-in-law Jenifer Boehm; grandchildren, Claire and Chloe Harper, Lake Boehm (Emilie), Graham and Alex Peterson and Forrest, Owen and Brooklyn Byler; and great-grandson, Brooks Boehm, who she was able to hold and love just days before she passed.
She is also survived by her siblings, Rick Kyger (Ina), Roger Kyger (Kim), Randy Kyger, Libbie Hazelwood (Herb) and Kevin Kyger (June) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Stone Creek Lodge, 2865 State Road 47, Crawfordsville. All are welcome.
