Darlene Lila Miller

Darlene Lila Miller, age 88, of Lyle, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, peacefully at her home. Darlene was born on January 11, 1937, the middle of five girls, to Albert and Nellie Corson, in Austin, Minnesota. She grew up and attended school in Austin. After graduating from Austin High School in 1950, she attended community college for Office Operations. In 1984, Darlene received a degree in the Carpentry program at Riverland Community College. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Austin, and in 1956 was baptized.

On August 10, 1961, she married Melvin Miller in Austin. They resided outside of Austin until moving to Lyle, Minnesota. The couple raised two children together: Jay Miller was welcomed in 1967 and Wendy (Miller) Aarsvold was welcomed in 1970. They would celebrate their anniversary at the Mower County Fair, eating at the 4-H building. On their 25th wedding anniversary, the Fair Board kicked them off the fairground property and told them they could not come back until they showed proof of eating elsewhere.

She was a long-time member of the Line Riders Saddle Club and the Southeastern Minnesota Saddle Club Association. She helped with numerous horse shows, parades, trail rides, and other events. She was a 4-H leader/volunteer in the horse project, and a few other projects.

She enjoyed working with youth. She considered them all her “kids”. From her own children’s friends, teammates, to the 4-Her’s and FFAer’s she volunteered with, even younger co-workers were her kids too. Everyone called her mom.

Darlene faithfully volunteered year after year at the FFA Children’s Barnyard during the Mower County Fair since the mid-1980’s. All of “her” kids respected her and looked up to her, and in 2017, they nominated her for Fair Person of the Year, earning her a spot in the Mower County Livestock Hall of Fame. When she was not at the Barnyard, you would find her down by the horse arena cheering on “her” kids.

Darlene was the true definition of an enterprising person. She was always willing to lend a hand when and where she could. When Darlene was not on the go, you could find her seated in her favorite chair watching her favorite sports team, the Twins, and any game show she could find.

It's obvious Darlene lived a very fulfilling life, and she has left a lasting impact on this world during her 88 years here on earth. She will be deeply missed by many.

Darlene is survived by her husband of 64 years, Melvin Miller; son, Jay Miller; daughter, Wendy Aarsvold; grandchildren, Kesley (Nick) Grossmann, Benjamin Aarsvold, Jared Aarsvold, Emma Aarsvold, Ella Aarsvold, and Garret Aarsvold; great-granddaughters, Annabelle Grossmann and Kitiara Grossmann; sister, Pat (Roger) Olson; as well as many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Nellie Corson; sisters, Donna Baley, Beverly Lady, and Wilma Jones; and brother-in-law, Robert Baley.

The funeral service for Darlene will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. The visitation will take place from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Monday. Interment will be in Rose Creek Enterprise Cemetery, rural Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.