Darlene Shirley Smith, 89, long-time resident of Westphalia, Kansas, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025, at The Meadows, in Burlington, KS.

She was born April 15, 1936, in rural Coffey County, the daughter of Howard Johnson, Sr. and Ruth (Howard) Johnson.

She spent her childhood in rural Coffey County and graduated from Burlington High School. She then attended Comptometer School before being employed by the Sante Fe Railroad.

On March 27, 1955, she and Carl Richard "Cork" Smith were married at the Methodist Church in Burlington. They became the parents of four children.

Cork served in the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1958 and following his discharge he and Darlene settled in Westphalia to raise their children. Darlene worked for Strawder's Dairy Store and the liquor store in Westphalia and tested milk for local dairy farmers before beginning a long career with Farmers State Bank of Aliceville. She retired from the bank after 27 years of service. In her spare time Darlene was an avid bowler.

In October of 2021 she and Cork moved to Cottonwood Falls, KS. They were living there when Cork passed away on April 2, 2022. Darlene had made her home at the Meadows since January of 2024.

She was also preceded in death by an infant son, Wesley Howard Smith; a granddaughter, Nikki Michelle Smith, her parents; and her siblings, Elizabeth McGee, Howard A. Johnson, Jr., Luella Malloy and Rosetta Lawson.

She is survived by her children, Jerry Smith (Carolyn), Westphalia, Janet Tastove (Jim), Cottonwood Falls, and Terry Smith (Shari), Westphalia; her grandchildren, Ashley Busakula (Andrew), Belton, MO, J. R. Smith (Erica), Fort Wayne, IN, Brandon Tastove (Erica), Strong City, KS, Cody Tastove (Melissa), Cottonwood Falls, Justin Smith (Liz), Neosho, MO, Jason Smith (Joni), Salina, KS, and Austin Smith, Centerville, KS; 13 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.

Cremation is planned. Family services will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions for Darlene may be made to the Westphalia Lion's Club and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.