Linda Darlene Benning (Rowland), lovingly known as Darlene, age 78, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Benton, passed away on January 10, 2025. She was born on June 28, 1946, in Benton, Arkansas, and spent most of her life in her beloved hometown.

Darlene held a degree in Education from the University of Arkansas and devoted her career to teaching English at various levels, with the majority of her tenure at Bryant Middle School in Bryant, Arkansas. Her passion for education touched the lives of countless students over the years.

She started her teaching career in Washington, Missouri, before moving to Germany for a brief period. Upon returning to Benton, Arkansas, she met and married her husband, Donald Benning, with whom she shared many wonderful years until his passing in 2003. After retiring, Darlene moved to Austin, Texas, where she embraced her role as a devoted grandmother. Despite suffering from significant back pain, her love for her grandchildren knew no bounds. She spent countless hours cheering them on from the bleachers, her spirit unwavering.

Darlene was an avid reader and a passionate lover of dogs, music, and the Nelson Family, especially Willie and Lucas. She was a dedicated volunteer at their annual Luck Reunion Festival. Her adventurous spirit led her to enjoy the great outdoors and travel, finding joy both in the streets of Munich and fishing at Lake Ouachita.

Darlene's easygoing nature and kindness were evident to all who knew her. While she never raised her voice or lost her temper, her strength of character was unmistakable.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Todd Benning (Ruth), Sandra Benning (Jesse), and Rick Benning (Carla), as well as her cherished grandchildren, Andrew Benning, Audrey Benning, Emma Benning, Abigail Benning, and Amber Roberts. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Benning, and her parents, Betty and Newt Rowland.

A celebration of life will be held in Austin, Texas, on February 1, 2025 at 3pm, in the Sunset Villa Room at the Oasis. A larger memorial service will be held in Benton, Arkansas, on February 8, 2025, from 10am-12pm at Ashby Funeral Home, followed by a gathering at Pinecrest Cemetery in Alexander, Arkansas, where she will be laid to rest, and family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and legacy.

Darlene will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.