Manton - Darlene A. Dontje, of Manton, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2018, at Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City. She was 71.

Darlene was born on January 22, 1946, in Manton, to Cecil Taylor and Beatrice (Flint) Taylor-Cramer. Darlene grew up and attended Manton Schools, graduating in 1964.  She made her living in medical billing working with Great Lakes Family Care for a number of years.  In earlier years, she was an active volunteer with the Jaycees. Darlene enjoyed a friendly round of golf with friends and shared her talents of gardening, tending to the flowers along Emerald Vale Golf Course. She will be deeply missed by many.

Darlene is survived by her partner of 16 years, Patrick Conley of Manton; her three children: Todd (Karrie) Muche of New Berlin, WI, Jamie (Scott) Kennard of Harbor Springs, Brian Muche of Harbor Springs; five grandchildren: Hanna, Halle and Keegan Muche and Cameron and Ty Kennard; sisters: Joanne Busby and Jeanne (Rudy) Barnett; brothers: Lynn (Barb) Taylor, Tom (Pat) Taylor, Roger (Pam) Taylor, Robert (Rhonda Neverth) Taylor; as well as many other loving family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gordon Dontje; her first husband, Jim Muche; brothers, Everett Taylor and two infant brothers, Gary and Kenneth Lee; and stepfather, Howard Cramer.

Per her wishes, cremation has taken place and anyone familiar with Darlene knew how much she loved to work and play at her beloved golf course. Friends and family will gather at her favorite spring and summer hangout on June 23rd. Please join us for a celebration and remembrance of a life so fully and joyfully lived.

Love, Lunch and Laughter held at Emerald Vale Golf Course in Manton on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, Wonderland Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.

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