Clara "Jeanie" Darco, age 64, of Gary, MN, died Saturday, September 15, 2007 in the Mahnomen Health Center, Mahnomen, MN.

Jeanie was born on June 25, 1943 in Loveland, Colorado to Robert and Bonnie (Eastin) Bennett. Upon graduation from high school, she attended beauty school and became a hairdresser. In addition, Jeanie also worked at a missal base in Colorado for several years.

In the early 1990's, Jeanie was united in marriage to Lester Darco in Detroit Lakes, MN. They have since lived in the Mahnomen area where they have been active in raising and training horses. Jeanie also shared her love of horses with others while teaching horsemanship. Being an outdoor enthusiast, she also enjoyed working in her flower beds and in her spare time liked crafting various items.

She is survived by her husband Lester of Mahnomen; three sons: Rick Lebsack, Tucson, AZ; Scott Lesback, NJ; Terry Witt, Bemidji; six step-children: Dana (Randy) Berggren, Hendrum, MN; Jill (Buck) Johnson, NV; Debbie (Pete) Blattenbauer, Claudette (Bill) Tiley; George (Carol) and Kay (Rick) Gavaldron, all of Fort Collins, CO; one brother, Bob Bennet, Longmont, CO; a step-father, Les Smith, also of Longmont, CO; and several grandchildren.

Jeanie was preceded in death by her parents; one step-son and one step-daughter.