Darleen Ruth Unger Obituary per H.D Oliver Funeral Apartments, Inc.

Darleen Ruth Unger, a community volunteer and fashion events participant whose life spanned 95 years, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, according to an obituary published by H.D Oliver Funeral Apartments, Inc. – Laskin Road Chapel on Legacy.com. Born in Emporia, Kansas, on May 17, 1931, to Vernon and Elizabeth Dietrich, Unger built a decades-long life defined by charitable service, family commitments, and a lifelong love of the fashion industry.

Life and Career Across Eight States

Unger met her husband, Daniel V. Unger III, while attending Kansas State College, and the couple married in 1953. Together, they supported Daniel V. Unger III’s 42-year career with J.C. Penney, which required frequent relocations across the country. Legacy.com reported that their moves took them to Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Omaha, Nebraska; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Spokane, Washington; Roanoke, Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; and Jacksonville, Florida, where they lived for 30 years before Darleen Unger moved to Virginia Beach in 2011.

While living in Roanoke, Darleen Unger volunteered with the Miss Virginia Pageant, supporting young women and local events. During their three decades in Jacksonville, the couple developed a large circle of friends, engaged deeply with their church, and shared an enthusiasm for the TPC golf tournament and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Daniel V. Unger III passed away in 2011, and family members noted comfort in knowing the couple is reunited.

Unger Worked in Fashion and Supported Charities

Alongside her community commitments, Unger maintained a lifelong involvement in the fashion industry. She traveled frequently to New York City, formed relationships with numerous designers, and directed local fashion events that raised funds for charitable organizations. Known for an immaculate personal sense of style and an affinity for wardrobe organization, she also worked as a wedding and event planner.

Unger devoted countless hours to philanthropic causes, including long-term service with the Salvation Army and Community Hospice, while sitting on numerous charitable boards. In Virginia Beach, she became widely known among her neighbors as the Happy Hour Queen for hosting a cherished Friday afternoon gathering at her condominium gazebo, where she welcomed friends with conversation and margaritas.

Family Remembers Unger at November Memorial Service

Unger is survived by her son, Daniel V. Unger IV, and his wife, Pam Pyle, of Virginia Beach; her daughter, Diane Unger Kinzer of Weatherford, Texas; and her three grandchildren, Daniel Z. Unger, Faith A. Unger, and Thomas A. Kinzer.

Memorial services are scheduled for November 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to Hospice or the Salvation Army.