Darlena Faye Calton

Darlena Faye Calton (Ward) was born on October 7, 1951, in Marshfield, Missouri to the late Bill and Juanita (Speaks) Ward. She passed away surrounded by her family on August 3, 2026, after a journey with cancer in Springfield, Missouri. Darlena was the beloved sister of Paula Bel (deceased), Mary Ann Carter, Sharon Kays, and Billy Ward, all of Marshfield, and their spouses HG Bel, Richard Carter (deceased), Wayne Kays, and Michelle Ward. She was 74 years old.

Before returning to her family in Missouri later in life, Darlena spent three decades in Phoenix, Arizona, and then in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she led a pioneering career in sales and marketing for Hewlett-Packard during the Digital Revolution. She held a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, managed multi-million-dollar accounts, travelled extensively, and was a prominent member of the company’s Achiever’s Club, winning its most prestigious award for five years for her outstanding performance. Notably, Darlena, often the only female in the board room, was highly esteemed for her professional finesse and gravitas, as well as for her loyalty and humanity. During her life, Darlena was an avid golfer, skilled interior decorator and fashionista, as well as a racer in the Corvette Club. Most of all, Darlena enjoyed treating her nieces and nephews to fun outings, fine travels, and cultural experiences.

After closing her career, Darlena returned to Springfield, where she worked for Mercy Hospital. She became an active member of James River Church, as well as Stonecroft Ministries, an organization that inspired her until the end of her days, and that she enjoyed with her close cousin the Reverend Sue Warner. A devout Christian and aspiring relational evangelist, Darlena ministered to people all around her, often women, favoring introspection and meaningful one-to-one connection. She was a deep and wise woman of faith.

An active supporter of the arts, Darlena served on the board of the Springfield Symphony Guild. She was also a trained CASA advocate, a cherished role that led her to support women, children, and families in the local community. In fact, Darlena was a gatherer of people throughout her life, especially women, and ally to those in need. She believed that love is action, and she embodied that.

Darlena was a remarkable aunt, unwaveringly exemplifying generosity, presence, and compassion for her beloved nieces Gail Ward-Bel (deceased), Cinnomon Reed, Melissa Kays, Jessica Carter, Amber Dinwiddie, Lesley Brown, Sheyann Bohannon, and Bayleigh Ward, and nephews Jamie Carter, Heath Bel, and Jason Carter, as well as their spouses Mark Reed, Alessandro Scarabello, Jason Dinwiddie, Josh Brown, Dakota Bohannon, Tammy Carter, Marcie Bel, and Heather Carter, who all adored her.

Darlena was especially enthusiastic and loving towards her great nieces Whitley Reed, Iside Scarabello, Lillie Dinwiddie, Blakeleigh Ward, Jaidyn Wheeler, Jailey Cowsert, Lexi Day, Jenna Carter, and Josie Carter, and her great nephews Blake Bel, Zachary Reed, Ulisse Scarabello, Jase Dinwiddie, Mason Brown, Jack Brown, Wyatt Bohannon, Koda Bohannon, Blake Brandell, Tanner Brandell, Haylon Bel, Ethan Bel, Austin Bel, and Reed Carter, as well as their spouses and partners Buck Cardwell, Daryck Wheeler, Caleb Cowsert, Rinnie Reed, Morgan Brandell, Anne Brandell, and Shannon Carter.

Darlena was also the great, great aunt of Jeremia, Scout, Lettey, Bodhi, Baker, and Betty Reed; Beck, Desmond, and Cooper Brandell; Charleigh and Mallory Wheeler; Eleanor Carter and Daisy Carlisle; and soon to be born Baby Cardwell.

Darlena was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Juanita and sister Paula, as well as her niece Gail and brother-in-law Richard. She is survived by many members of the extended Ward family, who truly and deeply loved her, in particular her sister Sharon who was her best friend and close confidant, as well as a lifetime of friends. Exquisite, benevolent, and gracious, Darlena’s memory will live in those she touched for many years to come.

The family would like to thank Three Rivers Hospice, The Fremont Senior Living, Cox Health at Home Services, and Terrie Dinwiddie for their love and support.

The service will be held at 10:00 on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Fraker Funeral Home in Marshfield, with the Reverend Brandon Hukill officiating. A grave side service will be held at Marshfield Cemetery immediately following the ceremony.

Flowers and condolences can be sent to Fraker Funeral Home, Inc. Memorial donations can be made in Darlena’s name to Stonecroft Ministries, Springfield, as well as to CASA, care of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., Marshfield.