Kratz, Darlene Melissa

Friday, September 9th at 9:36 PM Darlene Kratz a native of Victoria, VA, longtime resident of Richmond, VA, peacefully passed away at the University of Virginia Medical Center. She was surrounded by family and friends as she took her last breath. The happy news is, she is in the Kingdom of Heaven with Jesus Christ Our Lord & Savior. She was the daughter of the late James William Clevinger. She is survived by her beloved husband of 18 years, Justin Kyle Kratz; her mother, Eva Mae Baughan Clevinger; her brother, Dean Clevinger and wife Linda; her niece, Crystal Farrar and many friends.
 

Darlene received her Bachelor’s of Science (Business Administration) at Longwood University  '04 & a Masters of Science (Management of Information Technology) at the University of Virginia '06. When Darlene was not creating dips for tailgating at UVA football games, she loved to travel and to visit interesting restaurants to enjoy the atmosphere and food.  She worked at Capital One for 10 years as a technology team lead. Darlene also loved spending time with Cajun, the greatest golden retriever.
Justin would like to thank all of the family, friends and all the prayer warriors that have endured this tough journey. Your support has meant the world to Darlene and Justin, thank you. Darlene fought hard from day one after learning she had cancer. 

John 11:25-26 NIV

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
 

The family will receive friends at the Lakeview Cemetery, Intersection of 1^st Street and Marshall Avenue, Victoria, Va, on Thursday September 15, 2022 from 1:30PM until start of services at 2PM. In addition, a Celebration of Darlene’s Life will be held in Richmond in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to ICAN, International Cancer Advocacy Network. Donations will be used to create The Darlene Kratz Advocacy Program to continue Darlene's legacy as an advocate for cancer patients living with the rare genetic mutation she faced.  Donations can be made online at https://askican.org/donate.html, making sure to reference the Darlene Kratz Advocacy Program, or mailed to ICAN, International Cancer Advocacy Network re: Exon 20; Attention: Darlene Kratz Advocacy Program, 27 West Morten Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021-7246. Staples Funeral Home, Victoria, in charge of arrangements.