Clarke & Staples Funeral Homes - Darlene Melissa Kratz

Friday, September 09 2022

Darlene Melissa Kratz

Posted by: Clarke and Staples Funeral Homes AT 06:16 pm | Permalink | 19 Comments | Email

Comments:

I am so sorry for your loss. You and all the family are in our prayers.

Posted by Angela Strickland on 09/12/2022 - 09:09 PM

Darlene was an amazingly strong women. Both in her faith and in life. She can Rest In Peace now. To her family may you remember the good times and forget the strife. Love and prayers to all of you.

Posted by Amanda Shifflett on 09/13/2022 - 03:17 AM

I know Justin from FCA at the University of Virginia in 1990 and got to know Darlene after they married. It was such a good time to tailgate with them before football games! I am very saddened by Darlene's passing and the cancer battle. She is with her Lord now and sees Him face to face. Lord Jesus please lift up Justin and and her family and friends.

Posted by Rod Early on 09/13/2022 - 06:33 AM

Justin, we love you! Our thoughts and prayers have been with you and will continue to be! Crock and Diane

Posted by Rob "Crock" & Diane Crocker on 09/13/2022 - 06:52 AM

Darlene was a kind and gentle soul who I miss dearly. We shared so many laughs and dip recipes that I will always cherish. Rest in peace Darlene, you will live in our memories.

Posted by Dan Shain on 09/13/2022 - 08:28 AM

Darlene was one of the strongest, most inspiring people I've had the pleasure of knowing. My faith is better because of hers.

Posted by Geoff & Nicole Parkinson on 09/13/2022 - 09:04 AM

Scott and I send our deepest condolences to you, Justin, and the family. Darlene was a welcoming person and a courageous patient and we were glad to have met her. You are and will be in our prayers for comfort.

Posted by Elaine Brown on 09/13/2022 - 10:16 AM

RIP Darlene. Prayers for the family. A special hug sent to Eva.

Posted by Ron and Virginia Frost on 09/13/2022 - 10:29 AM

My condolences to Justin & the family. Darlene was a lovely person to work with and gem of a personality. I enjoyed working with her. She will be missed. Rest In Peace.

Posted by Nadeem Pathan on 09/13/2022 - 10:32 AM

Darlene is an inspiration to all. She was so strong in her faith and her fight against her cancer. She will be missed by so many. She was a loving wife and daughter-in-law. I feel I am a better person for having her in my life.

Posted by Jean M Day on 09/13/2022 - 12:34 PM

Posted by Jean M Day on 09/13/2022 - 12:36 PM

Just hearing your news Justin and asking for comfort from Above for you in the coming weeks. May you cling closely to the Lover of your soul and the Great Comforter even as you celebrate Darlene's life and legacy. Asking that your community there is able to serve you and encourage you much during this season. With Love From Afar, Scott and Vic and family

Posted by Scott and Vicky M on 09/13/2022 - 10:57 PM

Darlene, Now you may rest in life eternal. Maggie and Lorie Shipe Barrett

Posted by Lorie Shipe Barrett on 09/14/2022 - 08:11 AM

I'm am so sorry for your loss. She was so nice and such a fighter! May the one who made her, loves her and welcomed her home bring you peace.

Posted by Tim Berry on 09/14/2022 - 08:40 AM

So sorry to hear of Darlene's passing. She was such a kind and smart person. Her and I went through school together and she was a friend to all who knew her. She will be missed, but we can find comfort in knowing she now healed and is rejoicing in Heaven. Praying for you all!

Posted by Sarah Rakes on 09/14/2022 - 11:44 AM

So sad to lose my beautiful sister in-law. She was obviously way tougher than her gentle demeanor would ever leave you to believe. She was so full of life and she will be greatly missed.

Posted by Caleb Kratz on 09/14/2022 - 10:07 PM

We loved Darlene dearly. She always had a positive attitude and was quick with a smile or laugh. We have admired her courage, strength, and faith and she has truly been an inspiration to us. We are heartbroken over her loss. She was one of the bright lights in the world and the world is noticeably dimmer without her. Love Jim and Sam

Posted by James Pickett and Maneasamphors Tho on 09/15/2022 - 03:21 AM

Darlene, I enjoyed being your classmate at UVA and all of our interactions around Richmond and CapitalOne. Your warm smile will always be in my heart. God Bless to you, Justin and your family. Rest in Heavenly Peace.

Posted by James Morgan on 09/15/2022 - 12:38 PM

Dear Justin and family, I am so sorry that you all are grieving the loss of Darlene from this world. There is no good time to be without our loved ones close by and to be missing going through life without them. You are in my prayers and may all the good memories comfort you until you meet again in heaven. Love and God bless, Kathi G

Posted by Kathi Gibson on 09/18/2022 - 02:49 PM

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.