Darlene Stroud

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Darlene Stroud, 72, of Indianapolis, Indiana. She was a loved and cherished member of her family and community.

Darlene is fondly remembered for her wit, outspoken nature, and love of children. Sharp as a tack, and ornery, she always had the right thing to say and enjoyed a good laugh. She has been described as being selfless, great with children, welcoming, loving, tenacious, and quick with a compliment and a smile. Darlene was a devoted wife and mother who was known for being a “tough cookie.” She loved family, camping and being outdoors. You could find her watching her favorite shows: The Walking Dead and NCIS, or her favorite movie, The Wizard of Oz, when she was not busy playing card games with her family or sitting on the floor playing with the children, whom she adored.

Darlene was born in Shelbyville, Indiana where they lived until the family later moved to their home on Southeastern Avenue. Darlene graduated from Warren Central Highschool on a Friday and started her first job the following Monday at American States Insurance, where she worked until the late 1990s. She did a short stint as the secretary at the Governor's office before beginning her work in the registrar's office for Ivy Tech Community College, where she retired in 2019.

Darlene is preceded in death by her mother Dorothy, her father Jack, her husbands Dennis Puyear (1986), then later Rick Stroud, her sister Terri, and her brother Mike.

Darlene is survived by her son, Dennis Puyear II; grandchildren Melaina Puyear, and Sage Puyear; great-granddaughter Clementine Birt; Her brothers Don (Loretta), Ron , Steve (Jackie), Jack (Paula), and Sister-in-law Juna; and so many cherished nieces and nephews (as well as greats).

Services will be held at Flanner Buchanan - Washington Park East (10722 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229) on Monday, September 21, 2026. Visitation begins at 12pm, with a funeral service to held at 2pm. Darlene will be laid to rest at Washington Park East Cemetery.

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