June 3, 1934 — March 5, 2022
How do you sum up a lifetime of memories and accomplishments in a few short paragraphs when you are recognizing and saying goodbye to an incredible woman, wife, mother, grandma, sister, and friend; a person who has influenced so many and whose amazing disposition is something you wish to emulate? That is our task. We celebrate our love and admiration for her and all that she means to us, as we bid farewell to Doris Darlene Gubler.
Darlene laughed easily and was constantly in motion. That spark went out on March 5, 2022. Cecil and Francis Saling of Mokane, Missouri were the first ones to love her from her birth on June 3, 1934. The oldest of four children, she learned to love nature and reading as a child. She received a scholarship to William Woods College where she earned her associate degree. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and later in life a master’s degree from Utah State University. She valued education and taught her children to value it as well. All six of her children received their bachelor’s degree, one a master’s degree, and three doctorate degrees. Darlene was proud of this accomplishment and was a great example for how important it is to be committed and work hard.
Our house radiated with love, comfort, and a feeling of belonging. Flowers, books, art, and special treasures collected over time fill the house and are a reflection of Darlene and her life. Darlene made everyone who came to our house feel welcomed. It was part of our life growing up that she opened our house for others to come and stay. This included a niece, a nephew, friends, a Russian refugee, and stray animals with the same sangfroid. Her home was also filled with Darlene’s fabulous cooking. This cooking was especially nice when we would come home from our weekly ski days to homemade soup and fresh baked bread.
Darlene loved to serve people and she served everyone. When she first graduated from college, she was a teacher in Missouri, New York, and California, and later after her children were grown, she was the Director of Faculty Support and Development at Salt Lake Community College. She served on the World Conference for the Gifted and Talented, the Utah Symphony Guild, the Governor’s Education Task Force, The Utah Humanities Education Board, and many others. Darlene was the Utah State PTA President and the National PTA Vice President. She was also elected to the Utah State Legislature and held numerous callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Darlene was a go getter. She loved telling the story of how she and Brent, our father, met. The two of them went to a dance while attending college and although she could have walked faster, she accepted his offer of a ride home. She purposely left her purse in his car so that the next day he would have to see her again. That was the start of a love that has lasted for decades. They were married in St. George, Utah on January 11, 1958. They were later sealed for time and eternity in the St. George Temple. As a teenager, Darlene met missionaries and joined the LDS Church. As a result of her conversion, her parents and three siblings also became members of the LDS Church, and we all have been blessed by her decision.
Darlene was inquisitive and adventurous. She and Brent spent happy hours collecting art and antiques and traveling. Our family also spent many hours eating bologna sandwiches on cross-country trips in our station wagon and driving in our big Buick deep into Mexico and into Canada. From Nepal to Argentina, Morocco to China, Darlene and Brent enjoyed traveling the world. Their life together was rich and full. The smell of Giorgio perfume reminds us of our mom Darlene. She set an example that challenges us to strive to be better. We joke she left big shoes to fill especially since they were frequently Salvatore Ferragamo. We were blessed beyond words with her love and care.
She is survived by her husband, Brent H Gubler and children, Donita (Tom) Rasmussen, Cynthis Gubler VanAusdal, Douglas Gubler, David (Erin) Gubler, and Jennifer Tholen along with twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Francis Saling and her son, Steven Gubler.
A family prayer will be held March 12, at the Ivins Chapel located at 15 North Main Street, Ivins, Utah at 11:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service at noon. She will be interred at the Santa Clara Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Darlene’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com