The Richmond News, Dec. 5, 2025

Wilma Skinner

Wilma “Darlene” (Creason) Skinner, 93, of Richmond passed away Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. Darlene, as she preferred to be called, was born Nov. 1, 1932, in Orrick, the youngest child of General Forrest Creason and Charlotte Mae (Overman) Creason. As a young girl, Darlene accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Richmond.

In 1950, she graduated from Richmond High School. After graduation, she went to work for Southwestern Bell in Richmond, where she met her future husband, Milton Richard Skinner Jr. They were married on Feb. 14, 1954. They made their home in St. Louis after living in Sedalia and St. Joseph for a brief time.

Darlene and Milton had one daughter, Linda Dianne. After 25 years of marriage, Darlene and Milton divorced. At that time, Darlene moved back to Richmond, where she obtained an LPN license at Research Hospital in Kansas City.

Darlene’s heart was that of a caregiver. She then began working at Ray County Memorial Hospital. Darlene was a much-loved and respected nurse at the hospital, and often could be heard singing “One Day at a Time” as she walked down the hall. After 25 years, she retired to care for her oldest sister, who with her husband had raised Darlene from the age of 3.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Linda of Richmond; precious great-granddaughter, Andrea Pigg; and daughter-in-law, Courtney Voyles of Orrick. Darlene also is survived by Sugar Bean and Suzie, her beloved pups. In addition, she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; eight siblings and their spouses, Carmine and Edward (Doc) Derstler, Jewell Creason, Forrestine and Richard Estes, Robert (Bob) and Mae Creason, Raymond and Aldine Creason, Bernice and Bill Williams, Junior H. “Mert” and Dorothy Creason, and Clarence and Edna Creason; and grandson, Travis Jordan Pigg.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Shirkey Hospice or the Humane Society of Ray County. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and funeral services were scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1, at the Richmond First Baptist Church, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services to follow at 2. Burial was to be in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Darlene by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.