Darlene Aulls

Darlene Kay Sanford Aulls died April 11, 2026 in Frederick, Maryland. She was the daughter of the late Mildred Mae and William Henry Sanford of Hornell, New York. She was 84 years old.

Darlene grew up in Hornell, New York and graduated from Hornell High School in 1959. She graduated from St. James Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1963 as a Registered Nurse. She married John G. Aulls in 1963 and traveled with him throughout his Navy career. She practiced nursing at hospitals in each of the new locations.

Darlene and John moved to Frederick, MD in 1975 where Darlene worked at Frederick Memorial and Vindabona Nursing Home. In 1980, Darlene assumed the position of Director of the Frederick County Chapter of the Red Cross. She held this until she was asked to head the Cancer Society Director position for Frederick and Washington counties. She then started a business at Eveready Square called the Bath Works. She was asked to manage the hospital's thrift store, Select Seconds, which she did until becoming the President of the Hospital Auxiliary and a member of the Frederick Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees.

Darlene was a member of the Francis Scott Key Lions Club. She was the first female member and was elected President within two years of becoming a member. She was active at the District level serving as the Cabinet Secretary and Director of Development. As a result, she was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest recognition in Lions. Darlene was also awarded the Lions Low Vision Foundation Honorary Pyramid at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Center.

Darlene was the Chair of the Board of Advocates for Homeless Families and a Member of the board of Episcopal Ministries for the Aged, the former parent company of Buckingham's Choice. She was a member of All Saints' Episcopal Church and served as the Junior Warden several times. She was President of St. Mary's Chapter and served as a Sunday school teacher.

She is survived by John G. Aulls, her husband for 62 years, their children, Mary (Missie) Aulls Hadel (George), Tracy Aulls-Speelman (Stephen), John S. Aulls (Kelly), and Suzanne Aulls Hadley (Bryan), and grandchildren Brenna, Austin, Nathan, and Hunter. She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews and many family members and friends.

There will be a service on Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m. at All Saints' Episcopal Church with inurnment in the columbarium at the church. Donations of remembrance can be given to All Saints' Episcopal Church, 106 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701, or Advocates for Homeless Families, 216 Abrecht Place, Frederick, MD 21701.

Arrangements are with Stauffer Funeral Home, Frederick. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.