Obituary Darlene O. Newell, 79, of East Peoria, passed away at 7:17 pm Tuesday, May 23, 2017 in the Emergency Room at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born Jan. 6, 1938 in Rector, AR to Connie and Eithel Reynolds Nelson. She married Jack Newell in East Peoria on April 11, 1956. He survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters, Dianna (Mark) Tanner of Goodfield, Jackie (Robb) Kinsman of East Peoria, Michele (Billy) Combs of East Peoria; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Charles (Marge) Nelson of Creve Coeur. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Dorothy. Darlene enjoyed reading but her biggest joy was spending time with her grandkids. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is in charge of arrangements. Cemetery Details Hillcrest Memory Gardens 21925 Washington Road Morton, IL,