Lucile Darland

Lucile Darland passed away in her Denver home on September 7, 2026 at the age of 106. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Lucile was born October 13, 1919 on the family farm near Collinsville, Oklahoma. The daughter of Cornelius Warn and Cynthia Downing Ross, Lucile was one of nine children.

Lucile graduated from the Haskell Institute (later Haskell Indian Nations University) in 1938.

She worked among the Navajo following graduation. After WWII she moved to Washington, DC and was one of the early employees at the newly formed Atomic Energy Commission, where she worked in the office of director Lewis Strauss. At the Commission she was acquainted with Albert Einstein, J. Robert Oppenheimer and other top scientists.

On December 18, 1957 Lucile married William Duane Darland and moved to Denver. Mr. Darland died in a road accident in 1964. After his death, Lucile joined the US Postal Service. In addition to her administrative duties she served as Santa’s Helper at the Denver facility for over 20 years, often spending her own money on Christmas gifts for needy children.

Lucile was a lifetime member and officer of the Jefferson County Pilot Club and an active member in Pilot International, a volunteer service organization that focused on the needs of young people and community projects.

All who knew Lucile will remember her fierce independent spirit, her bright smile and ready laughter, and her sharp intellect. Lucile kept up on news and current events and was always willing to talk politics. She loved sports, and followed Denver sports teams on the radio. Lucile loved to travel, flying by air well into her 100’s.

In 2019 Lucile was honored by the Cherokee Nation at a ceremony commemorating her 100th birthday.  Lucile was a descendant and relative of Cherokee Chiefs, leaders, and beloved women. She embodied Cherokee values that included a love of learning for men and women, service, courage, and tenacity. She was a great example to all her family, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Lucile was preceded in death by most of her siblings:

Ruth Carolyn Seay, Woodrow W. Ross, Florence Ellen Quinton, Lawrence Earl Ross, Cornelius Warn Ross, Lucretia B. Osterman and Ruby Marie Ross. She is survived by a brother, Daniel Leon Ross, 95, of Collinsville, and many nieces and nephews.

Lucile Darland will be buried next to her husband at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver on October 30, 2026 at 1:30pm.