Darlene “Tootie” Boynton, age 84, of Rushford, Minn., died Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, Wis.
Tootie was born June 22, 1939, in Elba, Minn., the daughter of Warren and Marion (Ehlenfeldt) Hill. She attended St. Charles High School. She was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Glen Boynton at the Lewiston Church of the Brethren on December 22, 1956. The couple moved to Rushford in 1972, where they lived, worked and raised their family. Tootie worked in the deli at the IGA for 30-plus years. She loved to cook and bake, and was famous for her potato salad and rosettes. She was always willing to help her friends and neighbors, and would never hesitate to provide food or a meal for any event. She was a loving mother to her children, and to all of their friends as well. She was the fun, caring mother everyone wanted. Tootie was an outgoing social butterfly, with a great sense of humor. She loved getting up every morning, having coffee and breakfast with her husband Glen, while listening to Charlie Pride. Her family was the most important thing, and she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild.
She is survived by her husband Glen, children Scott (Kristi) Boynton, Randy Boynton, Sandy (Mitch) Gilbertson and Gary Boynton; grandchildren Tracy, Jerod, Jennifer, Danielle, Kelsey, Mickenzy, Kayleen, and Devin; 16 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and her lifelong best friends Ben and Pat Meyer.
She is preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Shauma Meyer, and siblings June, Shirley, Marilyn, Beverly and Everette.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford, Minn., with Rev. William Meilner officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment at St. John’s Cemetery in Hart, Minn.