M. Darlene Wells, 83 of Troy, MO, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022, at her residence. She was born on June 12, 1939, and raised in Columbia, MO by Ida and Newt Gossett. She then met her soulmate James S. Wells at a local diner, where she worked, called The Bingo Stop Restaurant. After dating for 2 years, the couple were married on November 1, 1958. Jim and Darlene then settled in Troy, MO shortly after they were married to start their life together. To this union were born Debbie, Allison, and James Clay. Darlene was a loving wife, mother and Christian who raised her family with a love for the Lord. In 1960 they purchased a farm on the outskirts of town and raised livestock and crops.
Darlene was a hard-working woman with many talents. After relocating to Troy, she worked as a Nursing Home Administrator in the family long term care facility, Mollie Wells Nursing Home, until 1976. She also helped her husband run the farm after Jim began a career in trucking industry in 1978, when they sold the last of their livestock.

In 1982, Darlene obtained her CDL license to drive over the road alongside her husband. Jim and Darlene began trucking together for 20 years of cross-country adventures, retiring in 2002. She was known for her impressive abilities to back up a semi-truck in any spot big or small. Her loving husband brags that she was one of the best drivers he knows. In 2002, they moved to their current residence of 22 years, and Darlene filled her days with some of her favorite past-times. She loved gardening, birdwatching, reading, photography, rock collecting, and best of all she enjoyed traveling in their RV and going on adventures in the state park with her granddaughter Ashleigh. She was a kind, loving, Christian woman who lived life with the belief "God will take care of it", she will be greatly missed and long remembered by all those who loved her.

Surviving is her loving family: Her husband of 64 years Jim Wells of Troy; her children Debbie (Dale) Penrod of Branson, Allison (Steve) Emerick of Maryland Heights and Clay (Kelly) Wells of Branson; her six grandchildren, Dana Edwards, Megan (Ben) Bligh, Madison (Mike) Moulty, Ashleigh Wells, and Tyler Buessink. She shared her love to her three step-grandchildren: Alexa, Jade, and Justin Strader

She is preceded in death by her parents Newt and Ida Gossett: older siblings Helen and Lee Gossett; her nephews Richard, Robert, and Wayne Gossett; and niece Marilyn Gossett.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Darlene's name to The Alzheimer's Association.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Family and Friends are invited to sign our on-line registry at: www.mccoyblossomfh.com