Darlene Pete Harrington

Darlene Pete Harrington, age 89, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, December 5, 2025.

She was born December 27, 1935, on the Pete family property in Caliente, Nevada. She was lovingly brought into the world by her grandmother, Queen Pete, a midwife whose care helped begin Darlene’s life journey.

From that moment on, her roots grew deep in her hometown. Caliente was her heart and her home, and she often said she knew she would both live and die there.
Growing up, Darlene was an avid swimmer and fondly recalled many afternoons spent swimming at the old Caliente Hot Springs Motel. The old Show Hall was one of her favorite stomping grounds and held many special memories from her younger years. She loved to dance and had a special fondness for the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, whose music always brought a smile to her face. She also loved hiking and truly enjoyed spending time out in the hills.

Darlene was a proud member of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah. She deeply loved her heritage, her homeland, and where she came from, carrying that pride with her throughout her life.

She had a vibrant personality and an amazingly beautiful smile that warmed the soul of everyone who met her gaze. She was a classy, content woman—comforting, nurturing, humble, and timeless in her grace. She loved to cook, bake, and entertain, always finding joy in gathering family and friends around her table. Most of her life was spent in Caliente, where she built lifelong friendships and treasured the simple moments—especially running into an old friend in town and catching up, even if only briefly.

Her grandchildren especially loved hearing her fond memories of time spent with her longtime gal pal, Betty Rollins. In her later years, visits from friends meant everything to her and were what truly kept her going.

Darlene was fiercely loyal to her family. She loved her children deeply and did the very best she could raising them. She lived for her grandchildren and the generations that followed. In her own words, she described herself as the “black sheep” of her family—but whether you were the golden child or the black sheep, she loved each and every one of her grandchildren equally and wholeheartedly.

In 1972, Darlene met her life partner, Jim Henesh, and with love shining in her eyes, she often gushed about just how handsome he was—a reflection of the joy and companionship they shared.

Darlene will be remembered for her warmth, her unwavering love, her graceful strength, and the lasting legacy of family she leaves behind. She lived on her own terms right down to the very end, always ahead of her time. A great storyteller, she shared her memories in ways that brought laughter, lessons, and connection. Her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched and the generations she helped shape.

Darlene is preceded in death by her father, Leo Pete, and her mother, Carrie John Zuniga; her grandparents: Charley and Queen Pete; her brothers, Floyd “Duce” Pete, Arthur Richards, and Glen Zuniga; her sisters: Loretta Frank Martinez, Anita Zuniga, Delores Zuniga, and Janice Zuniga; and her beloved children, Donna, Carla, Lloyd, Franklin, Queen, and Sherry.

She is survived by her sisters: Geraldine Zuniga and Katherine “Heidi” Zuniga; her children: Floyd “Poncho” Harrington (Anna), Leo Harrington (Debra), and Patricia Harrington; along with many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who were the pride and joy of her life.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Katschke, Dr. Miller, and the staff at GCDMC for the compassionate and attentive care Darlene received during her time there.

She held a special place in her heart for Dr. Katschke. The family also wishes to thank everyone who has reached out with love, prayers, and support—it means more than words can express.

A Tribute and Memorial Service will be held this Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Caliente Volunteer Fire Dept., at 2:00 p.m.