Darlene "Tootie" Boynton

Darlene “Tootie” Boynton, age 84, of Rushford, MN, died Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, WI.

Tootie was born June 22, 1939, in Elba, MN, 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+ 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; 1 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 11:00am Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford, MN, with Rev. William Meilner officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Hart, MN.