E. Darlene Ackerman, 89, of Colby, died Monday, November 8, 2021, at Prairie Senior Living Complex, in Colby. She was born July 1, 1932, in Beardsley, KS, to Loyd and Letha (Yost) Porter. She spent her early years in Beardsley and then, while still in grade school, moved to St. Francis, KS. There she met Bob Ackerman and after graduating high school, they were married on February 4, 1951. In 1955 they moved to Colby, KS and remained there until 1963, when the family moved to Albuquerque, NM. After 10 years in New Mexico, they moved back to Colby. After a serious illness in the 1970’s and regaining her health, in 1980, Darlene and her husband made the decision to start a health food business and the Health Cottage, in Colby, was opened. She ran it until 1995, when her husband died, and then continued operating the business with her daughter Kerri, until her retirement. In 1975 Darlene became a Christian and attended the Berean Fundamental Church, in Colby. Until her death, helping and caring for her family was the most important thing in her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert Ackerman; brother Darwin Porter and sister-in-law Betty Ackerman.

She is survived by her children, Scott (Patricia) Ackerman, Shawn (Jodie) Ackerman and Kerri (Mark) Blatt; brother Ron (Jackie) Porter; brother-in-law Paul Ackerman; 9 grandchildren, Miles, Michael, and Jason (Michela) Ackerman, Miranda and Melina Ackerman, Sarah (Brandon) Smith, Mandie (Garrett) Parker, Brandon (Annette) Blatt and Megan (John) Schlick and 8 great-grandchildren.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 12, 2021, at the Mortuary, with burial in Beulah Cemetery, Colby. Memorials may be made to the Berean Church, Colby and may be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com