Darlene G. Brumbaugh

Former resident of Glenvil, NE, Darlene Grace Brumbaugh, age 95, died August 10, 2026 at her home in Kenesaw, NE. Services are at 11AM on Friday at First United Methodist Church in Hastings, with the Rev. Lance Clay officiating. Apfel Funeral Home in Hastings, NE. is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Methodist Church.

Darlene Brumbaugh was born March 9, 1931 to Harry J. and Edna (Roquet) Hall on a farm in Fayette County in Arlington, Iowa. She attended grade school through eighth grade at Merogaier School and graduated from Arlington High School in 1948. She attended Dubuque University in Dubuque, Iowa, and Mercy School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

On July 8, 1951, she married Dale Spencer in Waterloo, Iowa. They moved to Indiana and then back to Nebraska in 1961, to Valentine. Darlene attended Chadron State College and started teaching in the Sand Hills of Cherry County for two years. They moved to Harvard, Nebraska. Five daughters and one son were born to this union. The marriage ended in 1966. She then taught in Trumbull, Harvard, and Clay Center while attending Kearney State College.

On January 17, 1968, Darlene married Elmer Brumbaugh, moving to Kenesaw, Nebraska. One son was born to this union. Darlene graduated from Kearney State College in 1969, majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education. In 1977 she received her Master's of Education in Special Education and Resources.

Darlene taught in the Sandy Creek School District for 27 of her 33 years of teaching.

During the years her children were growing up, she taught Sunday School, was active in United Methodist Women, the American Association of University Women, and the Federated Women's Club. She served as President of the Central Nebraska Reading Council and as Nebraska State President of the Reading Council. She was a member of the Hastings-area Retired Teachers Association and the American Legion Auxiliary, was involved with Glenvil Youth Pride, and served as District Program Resources person for the Prairie Rivers District of the United Methodist Church. Darlene also received a Daily Points of Light Award on December 21, 1998 — an award started by President George H.W. Bush.

When Darlene retired, she kept very busy and active. She loved to travel, enjoying other people and their customs and the geographical landscapes of the world. She visited 23 countries from Ireland, Italy, and even into the Amazon Rainforest in South America. A trip that led to many presentations to schools and other organizations. Darlene kept being involved in tutoring and working with children who needed extra help. Her interest in education and reading led her to open a library in her garage in 1998 — a nonprofit public library. With no café in town, she also opened her home to serve coffee three times a week to the local community ladies. When she was able, Darlene enjoyed going to her grand children and great grand children’s events, whether it be wrestling, dance, concerts, basketball anything involving her family, she would sit for hours to be with them and loved every minute.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church for 70 years, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and held numerous positions throughout the years. Locally, she was involved in Program Resources, Education, and Interpretation. She held office for Program Resources and served as Vice President at the Prairie Rivers UMW district level. She was honored with the Special Mission Recognition Award and was presented the Dedicated Light Award in 2014, and a Special Mission Recognition Award in 2000. Darlene was a proud member of the Glenvil and Kenesaw Communities for many, many years. She loved all of her friends that she considered family. She deeply appreciated the cards, phone calls, visits and love from each and everyone that reached out to her.

Darlene was dedicated to serving others and her faith led the way as she taught generations of children and others along the way. The life lessons she has taught have touched many and will remain a precious memory in our hearts forever.

Those left to carry on her legacy:

Carla Psinas (husband George), Pekin, Illinois

Cheryl Ballard (husband Bill), Las Cruces, New Mexico

Kim Myers (husband David), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Lynne Meyers, Hastings, Nebraska

Kelly Spencer (David Logan) — Hudson, Florida

Harry J. Brumbaugh (Christy) — Kenesaw, Nebraska

Many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nephews and nieces and others she named as family or friend. She loved each and everyone with her whole heart.

Step children:

Bill (Leasa) Brumbaugh, Holdrege, Nebraska

Ladena (Tom) Thom, Hastings, Nebraska

Anita (Dennis) Webster, Lincoln, Nebraska

George (Kim) Brumbaugh, Kearney, Nebraska

John Paul (Aisha), Hastings, Nebraska

Those preceding her on the way to heaven:

Her parents,

Elmer Brumbaugh, husband

Brothers, Daryl Hall, Dale (Mary Lou) Hall

Son and daughter-in-law, Dana and Judy Spencer

Step daughter, Regina Hendrickson

Step son, Lewis Brumbaugh

Three grandsons and one great granddaughter.

And she now resides peacefully with our Lord and Savior.