Darlene Marie Robinson

Darlene Marie Robinson's body finally won the battle over her strong will and determination to live on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Rexburg, Idaho, surrounded by family. She was 87 years old. For some time, her loved ones had “circled the wagons” to help her continue her dispute with Father Time.

Born on February 6, 1938, Darlene was welcomed by her parents, Joseph Rulon Tidwell and Sylvia Gladys Nielsen. In her early years, the family moved frequently while renting homes until her father, Grandpa Tidwell, secured a job as a welder for the railroad. He worked hard and saved his pennies—literally—and eventually purchased a 70-acre family farm in Nampa, Idaho. This is where Darlene grew up: taking dance lessons, walking half a mile to a four-room schoolhouse, and eventually graduating from Nampa High School

Darlene began college at BYU in Provo, Utah, but didn’t feel it was a good fit for her. After one semester, she transferred to Ricks College (now BYU–Idaho), where she participated in several performing dance teams. It was during this time that she met and began dating Joseph Sidwell Robinson. Before long, they decided to build a life together. They married and started a family within a few years. Darla was their first child, followed by JoAnn. Joe worked at local garages as a mechanic and attended diesel school, while Darlene cared for their young daughters.

The family later moved to Midvale, Utah, where Joe worked several jobs and he and Darlene managed an A&W franchise. While in Utah, their family grew with the arrivals of Christopher (Chris) and Darren—bringing more joy, love, and poopy diapers (cloth and safety pins). After Darren was born, Joe relocated to Twin Falls, Idaho, to open a drive-in on the west end of Addison Avenue. Once things were in place, Darlene packed up the family and joined him.

Robinson’s Family Drive-In and Restaurant quickly became a successful and beloved local business. Some of their former employees from Utah joined them in Idaho, along with several of Joe’s nieces. The drive-in became a local community favorite, serving Yankee Burgers, Ham Yankees, Rebel Burgers, and the ever-popular fish and chips basket. Darlene could often be found in the office handling bookkeeping, inventory, and payroll. Eventually, their youngest child, Carol, completed the family. As large chains came to town with their ability to purchase in bulk, the family restaurant struggled to compete. In December 1977, they closed the business.

Eventually, Joe and Darlene parted ways. Drawing on her experience, Darlene became the manager of Don Piper’s gas station, where she built strong connections in the local community. Eventually she worked for Green Thumb—later renamed Experience Works—where she helped seniors develop job skills and re-enter the workforce through nonprofit job placements. She found deep fulfillment in helping others improve their lives and realize their potential.

Family was Darlene’s greatest joy. She attended countless concerts, football games, dance recitals, graduations, and weddings for her children and grandchildren. She looked forward to every opportunity to see them shine—and wasn’t shy about bragging now and then. While living in Twin Falls, she was a longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attending the 10th Ward.

In her final two years, as her health declined, Darlene moved to Rexburg to live with family and receive additional care and support.

Darlene is survived by her children: Darla Montgomery (Roger), JoAnn Schroedter (Paul), Darren Robinson (Melissa), and Carol Jones (Gary); 12 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, and her beloved son, Chris.

Services will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Wilks Funeral Home. Visitation will start at 9:30 am with a service at 10:30 am. Internment immediately following at Twin Falls Cemetery.

If Darlene were still here, she would tell you that her positive attitude helped her live a longer life. Keep positive!

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