Barbara LaDene (Darrah) Compton

LaDene, who loved to be called “mom” and “grandma” by her children and grandchildren, departed her loving family on December 29, 2020.  Her daughter’s Annette and Maureen were by her side as she passed into the loving arms of Jesus and was reunited with her husband, Neal, who she celebrated 55 years together before his passing December 7, 2017.

LaDene was born in Lyons, Kansas on November 1, 1938 to Lloyd and Dollye Darrah.  She was an only child and loved dearly by her parents.

She is survived by her 3 children Annette (Morris) Wheeler-Brown, Maureen (Jon) Kamp, Cynthia (Aaron) Buttrick; 8 grandchildren Nicole (Tom) Kret, Steve (LeAnn) Wheeler, Jessica (Alex) Welch; Joshua Kamp, Jackie Kamp, and Christopher Kamp; Crystal Vanderlaan and Jacob Damron and 3 great-grandchildren Haley, Nora, and Caleb Kret.

LaDene faithfully attended St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, in Grand Rapids. She helped plan many church events, regularly attended bible study, and freely volunteered her services to help wherever needed.  LaDene had a ready smile, was a friend to all, and will be greatly missed.

LaDene was incredibly talented and creative which was exhibited in the bows she made for birthday and Christmas gifts, wedding decorations, and Easter baskets!  She also loved quilting!  She made seasonal table runners and wall hangings, curtains, and quilts for each of her grand children upon graduating high school.  Treasured mementos to remember her by! 

Over the years she has added to various collections of dolls, Precious Moments figurines, Santa’s, snowmen, and her extensive collection of Hallmark Christmas ornaments from the first year they started making them in the mid 70’s!  You could easily identify what holiday it was when entering her home, she loved decorating for each occasion.  Christmas was definitely her favorite; she normally had a least 4 trees decorated!

LaDene had a special place in her heart for Hallmark decorations, she started collections for all the children and grandchildren, making sure each one had all of the ornaments in “their” series.  She made many friends in her Hallmark group who also shared her passion.

LaDene always made friends easily and made many new friends this past year while living at Villa Maria in Grand Rapids.

Many said of LaDene; she is a kind, gracious, beautiful, elegant woman always extending welcome to everyone she meets.

A small private family service will be held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara LaDene (Darrah) Compton, please visit our floral store.