Obituary
Audrey Darlene Hostetter (nee Carman) was born on January 29, 1944, in Stephensport, Kentucky. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 29, 2025. She was raised in Rineyville, Kentucky by her beloved parents Arba C. and May D. Carman.
She is survived by her three children, Craig Nelson (Michelle) of Tennessee, Coleena Hanson (David) of Colorado, and Mike Nelson (Marie) of Florida; four grandchildren Nick and Natalie of Tennessee, Briana (Bradley) and Jeffrey (Callie) of Colorado; two great-grandchildren Adeline and Theodore of Colorado; and sister Yolanda Hobbs of Kentucky.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Arba C. and May D. Carman, sister, Jewel D. Fible, brother-in-law, W.L. Fible, brother-in-law, Joe Hobbs, and loving companion of many years, Jerry Billings.
Darlene proudly worked for the US government serving with the FBI in the early part of her career in Washington DC and retired as a US Navy contract specialist in Orlando, Florida. During that time, she lovingly raised her three children and enjoyed activities like antiquing and collecting an extensive assortment of her favorite Fenton Glassware. Weekends were spent going to antique shows and yard sales where she enjoyed the thrill of the hunt finding rare and unique collectibles. Upon her retirement from the US government, she relocated to Ridge Manor, Florida. She and Jerry traveled together extensively across the US visiting family along the way for many years. She was an avid gardener and wildlife supporter. Fiercely independent, Darlene took care of everything on her own until the very end as she wanted to. Her yard was beautiful and perfectly kept, often photographed and was always admired. In recent years, she enjoyed spending time with her neighbors and heading down to the Moose Lodge with her dear friend Russ Manning. She enjoyed bowling, karaoke, and all kinds of activities with the many wonderful friends she made at the lodge.
She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all of us and will be terribly missed.
You slip out of the reach of the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God. Rest now, we will see you again.
Love you eternally,
Nick Nelson
Darlene had a true love for cooking and cherished every moment spent with family. Some of my favorite memories include traveling together to explore the beauty of the western states, sharing laughter and stories along the way.
She always treated us with love and warmth, and her presence will be deeply, dearly missed. Darlene’s legacy of family, love, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.