Imogene (Anderson) DARRAH

DARRAH, ANDERSON, SORENSON, MOODY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 3/27/2013 at 14:06:11

August 4, 1908 --- March 21, 2013

Imogene (Gene) Darrah of Oregon, IL, an accomplished pianist, teacher, business partner, wife, mother and friend passed away on March 21, 2013, approaching her 105th birthday.

Born Imogene Anderson on August 4, 1908, the youngest of three children born to Peter A. Anderson and Anna Priscilla (Sorenson). She grew up in Atlantic, Iowa and attended Iowa State Teachers College, in Cedar Rapids where she majored in music. While teaching in Kanawha, Iowa she met her future husband, Bert Darrah, and later moved to Illinois where she helped her husband establish and develop an international trading firm, B.W. Darrah, Inc., which is still owned and operated by their son. Before retiring to Oregon, Illinois in 1971, Gene and her family lived in Wheaton where she was active in the Wheaton House and Garden Club, served as President of the Woman's Department Club, P.E.O, and other philanthropic organizations. While their children were young, Gene spent every summer near Birchwood, a small town in northwestern Wisconsin, nurturing her family in a summer cabin without electricity or running water. After retiring to Oregon in 1971, Gene remained active in P.E.O. Chapter IU, the Methodist Church choir, and other local organizations. She enjoyed gardening on the Darrah's ten woodland acres where they became known for their Daffodil walks.

Gene is survived by her daughter Babs Moody (Tom) and son Dick Darrah (Barbara), four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Her bright smile and inspiring spirit will be greatly missed by many that new and admired her. Memorial services will be held Tuesday March 26, 2013 at 3:00 PM in Oregon United Methodist Church, 4th & Jefferson. Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon assisted the family with arrangements.

Chicago Suburban Daily Herald - Illinois
March 24, 2013