Darlene Bradley

Darlene Ann (Lotter) Bradley, daughter of Lawrence and Bernice Laberta (Fox) Lotter, was born October 25, 1935 on a farm south of Peru, Nebraska. When Darlene was young, her mother married Vaun Byrom, who helped raise her. She attended school in Auburn, Nebraska, where she graduated from high school.

After high school, Darlene worked for a time at the Green Lantern in Auburn. She then went to work at the Hinky Dinky store until her marriage to Dale Bradley on May 26, 1957. They were married at the Auburn Christian Church by Rev. Leo Epperson.

Darlene and Dale lived in Deshler, Nebraska before moving back to Auburn in 1969. The couple ran the Dairy Sweet in town for a couple of years, and next Darlene became the local representative for The Welcome Wagon. She then went to work in Sears Shoe Store, which she would purchase in the late ‘70’s and open Bradley’s Shoe Store. Darlene operated the store until 2011, and also had a separate discount shoe store and a store in Syracuse for a time.

Darlene was baptized in the Auburn Christian Church on May 22, 1956, and was active in the church, singing in the choir and belonging to the Gleaners Circle. She had served as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts and Webelos, and was involved with the Chamber of Commerce while she was in business. She loved to cook and crochet, and made many afghans for her family and others. Darlene was a very giving person, and volunteered at the Good Samaritan Center. Throughout her life, family was first for Darlene, and she spent many hours following the activities of her sons and their children.

In 2015, Darlene became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn. It was there she passed away, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, September 3, 2016, at the age of 80 years, 10 months, and 9 days. Her mother and step-father and father preceded her in death.

Darlene is survived by her husband Dale of Auburn; sons and daughters-in-law Dale and Janice of Aurora, CO; Brian and Sandy of Auburn; grandchildren Isaiah, Grant, Taylor, Bryce Bradley; Cody (Kelsey) Bradley; Natasha (Jake) Hedden; Mariah Bradley; great-grandchildren Ashtyn, Taelyn, & Brecken; sisters Carol (Loren) Stivers of Rock Springs, TX; Linda Bailey of Summit, WA; aunt and uncle Janie and Virgil “Bub” Robbins of Brownville; other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be Tuesday, September 6, 10:00 a.m. at the Auburn Christian Church. Burial will follow in Sheridan Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home Monday noon to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.