01/26/2026
Darlene Myrel Richards (Tempest) of Cambridge, Ohio passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at Cambridge Place after spending the day surrounded by loved ones.
Darlene was born on April 16, 1945, in Monongahela, Pennsylvania to Harold Lynn and Lela Myrel Tempest. Darlene had four siblings, older brother Harold Dean Lynn, younger twin sisters Joan Lynn Tempest Trunzo and Jean Noel Tempest, and younger brother Brian Jack Tempest. Growing up, Darlene enjoyed playing in the neighborhood with her friends and siblings and attending tap, jazz and ballet classes at a local dance school. Darlene attended Monongahela High School where she excelled academically, graduating with top honors, and was a top-chair clarinet player in the band.
Darlene attended California University of Pennsylvania where she earned a 4-year bachelor’s degree in mathematics in only 2 years, graduating with high honors. Darlene began her teaching career at Monongahela Junior High School.
On June 10, 1967, Darlene was joined in marriage to Hayden Elden Richards at First Presbyterian Church in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. They were married for 55 years. While raising her two children, Darla Kristine and Hyden Darren Richards, Darlene earned a master’s degree in special education and began the next phase of her career as a special education teacher at the Cambridge Mental Health and Developmental Center. She helped many young adults with mental health issues obtain their GEDs. During that time, she also tutored many local kids in math, helping them pass their classes or prepare for the ACT/SAT exam.
Later in her career, Darlene became one of the most popular algebra professors at Zane State College. Her classes filled quickly due to her thorough, detailed teaching style and care for her students’ understanding and success. She was known for reaching out to struggling students, tutoring them on her own time out of the goodness of her heart.
After retirement, Darlene enjoyed long walks, dancing, Zumba classes, and spending time with her grandchildren as well as traveling to places such as Japan, California, Florida, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Darlene was a loving, attentive, dedicated, selfless spouse, mother, friend, coworker, and teacher who touched everyone she met with her warmth and kindness.
In addition to her parents, Darlene is predeceased by her husband, Hayden; and brother, Harold.
Darlene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Darla Kristine and John Cornelius Finnucan IV of San Pedro, California; son and daughter-in-law, Hayden Darren and Amy Sue Clark Richards of Lore City, Ohio; six grandchildren, John Cornelius Finnucan V of Fullerton, California, Jacob Thomas Finnucan and his wife Jacqueline Bernadette Tremblay Finnucan of Bismarck, North Dakota, Kayla Dawn Richards of Byesville, Ohio, twins Ava Elizabeth and Alexander James Finnucan of San Pedro, California, Hayden Darren Richards Jr. of Lore City, Ohio and great grandson Carter Jude Finnucan of Bismarck, North Dakota. Darlene is also survived by her three younger siblings, Joan Lynn Tempest Trunzo of New Eagle, Pennsylvania, Jean Noel Tempest of Land O’Lakes, Florida, and Brian Jack Tempest of Monongahela, Pennsylvania.
A special thank you to everyone who visited or called Darlene to let her hear your voices in her final hours. You brought her warmth and comfort. She left this life knowing she was dearly loved.
Per Darlene’s prearrangements, no calling hours will be observed and no funeral services will be held.
Personal condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com
