Darlene Mertz Huber Hankison, 80, Hurdsfield, passed away Friday, February 17, 2017 at the St. Aloisius Hospital in Harvey. Her funeral will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 11:00 a. m. at the Hurdsfield Community Center in Hurdsfield with burial at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hurdsfield. Visitation will be held Monday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Nelson Funeral Home of Fessenden.

Darlene June Mertz Huber Hankison, daughter of John J. and Emilie 'Millie' (Stadelman) Mertz was born June 14, 1936 in Harvey, ND. She grew up on the family farm north of Hurdsfield and received her first grade education in a nearby country school. She then attended Hurdsfield Public School for several years before enrolling in the Harvey High School where she graduated in 1954. During her Senior year, Darlene worked as a nurses aide at St. Aloisius Nursing Home in Harvey.

On June 13, 1954, she was married to Harold Carl Huber in Garrison. During the early years of their marriage, Darlene and Harold made their home in a number of communities including Garrison, Glenburn, and Parshall, ND, Miles City, MT , Pasco, WA, where Harold was employed with Peter-Kewitt & Sons Construction Co. In 1963 they returned to the Hurdsfield area and made their home south of town where they purchased a farm and raised cattle. They also owned and operated an excavating business. During this time Darlene worked as a secretary for their business along with raising their 6 children. Harold passed away on March 23, 1972.

After Harold's death, Darlene traveled selling cattle foggers and cattle/farm supplies. During this time she met Robert Lewis Hankison. On May 25, 1975, Darlene married Robert in Sedalia, CO where they made their home along with her 4 youngest children. Emilie Elizabeth Hankison was born to them in 1977. Throughout the years, Darlene and Robert maintained the farm south of Hurdsfield and spent their summers there. Robert passed away in 1998.

Darlene was a member of the Hurdsfield Lutheran Church where she started and taught the Adult Sunday School class for a number of years. She loved spending time in her garden and canning the fruits of her labor. With a little encouragement from Robert, Darlene developed an interest in stocks and various investments and became quite adept at it. She also enjoyed listening to music, dancing and traveling on cruises.

She is survived by her children, Sheryl (Gerald) Lund of Bottineau, ND, Trudy Cashmore of Minot, ND, Harold John Huber of Hurdsfield, ND, Steven Huber of Sedalia, CO and Emilie (Brian) Rath of Castle Rock, CO; 16 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; brother, Marvin (Alice) Mertz of Hurdsfield, ND; sisters-in-law, Joyce Mertz of Hurdsfield, DN and Betty Mertz of Bismarck, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husbands, Harold and Robert; her daughter, Patricia and her sons Michael and infant James; her parents; one sister, Louise Arendt; and three brothers, Lawrence, Leeland and John Mertz.