Darlene J. Wells, 93, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, January 21, 2026, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Darlene Janice Smith was born on November 22, 1932 in Dubuque, Iowa, to Orval and Mary Gladys (Winders) Smith.  She grew up in Dubuque and was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School.  She married Earl Roy Wells on November 22, 1951 in Dubuque, Iowa.  Five children were born to this union, Jerrold, Krista, Amy, Jeffrey, and Shelley.

Darlene held various jobs throughout her life most notably working for Younker’s in Davenport, and as a secretary for Adam’s Company in Dubuque.  She also worked at J.C. Penney Store, NAPA Auto Parts, and Sears, all in Maquoketa.

Darlene enjoyed riding horses, cross stitch, and listening and dancing to music.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Jerrold (Carmin) Wells of Erie, IL, Krista McCutcheon of Maquoketa, IA, Amy Wells of Davenport, IA, Jeffrey (Karen) Wells of Maquoketa, IA, and Shelley (Stephen) McGarry of DeWitt, IA; 24 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren with one on the way, and 6 great-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Kenneth (Donna) Smith of Dubuque, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Earl Roy Wells on June 1, 1986, sister Virginia (Joseph) Zahina, son-in-law Randy McCutcheon, 3 grandchildren Kaitlin Rose Wells, Garrett Kaczinski, and Dylan Kaczinski, and 1 great-grandchild Dalton Knight.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 1 to 3 P.M. at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club in Maquoketa.  At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center, Maquoketa.  A private burial will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois.

The family would like to especially thank Hospice of Jackson County, Maquoketa Care Center, and her close friend and caregiver Kristy Becker.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.