Our beloved mother, wife, grandmother, and friend, Darleen Etta Abbott died peacefully in Denver, Colorado on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at the age of 87. She was born in LaVerne, Minnesota on March 31, 1923, the daughter of Sherman Bartholow and Mae Mansker. She moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota at an early age and graduated from Washington High School in 1941. It was in Sioux Falls that she met John Kenneth Abbott, and they were married on December 9, 1946, sharing 60 wonderful years of marriage. John became a career military officer and the adventure of a lifetime began. They traveled to many bases in service to their county, and Darleen was there with John through all of it. She was blessed with 7 children; and Darleen cared for and nurtured her family, while being the perfect hostess at the many parties and functions required in the life of a military officer. Upon John's retirement, they chose San Antonio, Texas as the place they would retire. Darleen spent her time sewing clothes for her family, knitting beautiful sweaters, baking the best desserts ever, and entertaining her friends and family. She was a Life Master bridge player and played competitively as well as for fun. She loved to have her family and friends around her. We will miss you Mom, more than words can say. Darleen is preceded in death by her husband John Abbott, Sr., her sons, David Abbott and Steven Abbott, and her brother, Donald Bartholow. She is survived by her sisters, Thelma Ullom and Glenda Jorgenson, both of Sioux Falls, SD and her brother, Norman Bartholow, of Chandler, AZ. She is also survived by her children: John Abbott, Jr. of San Marcos, TX; Tamara Prutu and husband Victor, of Cumming, GA; Laura Wheeler, of Benbrook, TX; Jeffrey Abbott and wife Angela, of Bristow, VA; Richard Abbott and wife Angela, of Englewood, CO. She is survived by her grandchildren; Luke Abbott of Canyon Lake TX; Kristen Wheeler of Benbrook, TX; Nicolas Prutu of Cumming, GA; Katherine Abbott, of Bristow, VA; and Lena Abbott of Englewood, CO. The Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 2:45 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, TX., with a reception to follow. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Sol Amor Hospice for their care and devotion. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either Sol Amor Hospice at 7950 E. Prentice Ave., Ste 101, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 or to Mothers Against Drunk Driving at 511 E. John Carpenter Frwy, Suite 700, Irving, TX 75062.