Darlene Marie Alexander Arnett

Darlene Marie Alexander Arnett of Nicholasville, Kentucky, passed away May 14, 2026. Lovingly called Tiny by all who knew her, she was born February 3, 1930, to Gertrude (Claypoole) and David Alexander of Clintonville, Kentucky.  As a child, Darlene was a member of the inaugural Baptismal class of Clintonville Christian Church and remained a devoted Christian throughout her life. She was active in her community, church, and various charities. For many years, she was a school volunteer and homeroom mother, as well as a Girl Scout and 4-H Leader in Jessamine County. Her pastimes included sewing, quilting, gardening, and canning produce. However, she insisted her greatest accomplishments were being a wife, mother, and grandmother.  She treasured this poem by an unknown author for many years, and it is a worthy message to us all.

The Time Is Now

If you are ever going to love me,

Love me now, while I can know

The sweet and tender feelings

Which from true affection flow.

Love me now

While I am living.

Do not wait until I’m gone

And then have it chiseled in marble,

Sweet words on ice-cold stone.

If you have tender thoughts of me,

Please tell me now.

If you wait until I am sleeping,

Never to awaken,

There will be death between us

And I won’t hear you then.

So, if you love me, even a little bit,

Let me know it while I am living

So I can treasure it.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Chalmer Arnett, and sister, Lorena Ware. She is survived by her daughters: Vicki Stegman of Nicholasville and Mary Cathcart (Peter), and grandchildren, Emily and David Cathcart of Lexington, Kentucky.  Respecting her wishes, a private family service was held graveside at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Clintonville Christian Church Memorial Fund, 141 Austerlitz Road, Paris, Kentucky 40361.  Betts & West Funeral Home is honored to serve Darlene and her family in their time of need.