Syble Wanda Darnell

Syble Darnell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on May 1, 2024 in Fresno, California. Syble was born in Oklahoma and was the daughter of Charles and Clara Batey and was the 7th of 10 children. At a young age, Syble moved with her family to Dos Palos, where she later graduated from Dos Palos High School. It was there that she met her high school sweetheart, Don Darnell. Their love story began, and they were married before Syble even finished high school, starting a journey that would span over 50 years of love and commitment before Don’s passing in 2004.

Once Syble graduated, she proceeded to leave her family and friends and fly alone across the country to be with Don, who was serving in the Navy during the Korean War. They lived on the East Coast for three years and had their son Randy while still in the service. After Don's service ended, the couple returned to Dos Palos, where they planted their roots and raised their family. Along with Randy, they welcomed their daughter Donna and son Jeff, creating a home filled with love and wonderful memories. Syble's heart was filled with love for her immediate family and her extended family. The Darnell and Batey extended family gatherings at Don and Syble’s home were filled with love, laughter and cherished traditions, creating lasting memories. Syble especially adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, finding immense joy and pride in their milestones and celebrations and always being willing to go watch them as they participated in sports, cheerleading, band and plays. Syble was also very active in the Dos Palos community. Over the years she managed the Dos Palos Little League snack stand, was President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Senior Club, represented Dos Palos in the Merced County Senior Program and was active in her church, Valley Christian Center.

Syble Darnell will be remembered for her unwavering love for and commitment to her family. Her legacy of love and devotion will be an ongoing inspiration to all who were blessed to know her. Syble is preceded in death by her loving husband Don Darnell. She is survived by her sons Randy Darnell (Maryke) and Jeff Darnell (Janet) and her daughter Donna Peter. Beloved grandchildren Amy Miller (Phil), Josh Darnell (Lori), Dusty Creighton (Matt), Valerie Darnell Voglin (Spencer), Justin Darnell (Kendyl), Kelley Corvelo and Rachel Peter as well as great grandchildren Nicolas, Autumn and Philip Miller, Gage Hageman, Gracie, Jay, Ashlyn and Evie Creighton, Jack, Owen, Bertie Bell and June Voglin, and Charlotte and Don Darnell. She is also survived by her sister Marie Von Allman and her brother Harold Batey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Valley Children’s Hospital, in Syble's honor. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved her, but we draw comfort by the knowledge that her and Don are together again.

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