Darlene Mae Schwellenbach, 90, passed away on December 26, 2023, in Manhattan, Kansas.
Darlene was born in Presho, South Dakota in 1933 to Emil and Josephine (Dreier) Strathman. She graduated from Pierre (South Dakota) High School in 1951. She married Donald (Don) Schwellenbach in 1952, and they lived in Morro Bay, California until Don was discharged from the Army. They then moved back to Pierre and raised their two sons. In 1972 the family moved to Glendale, Arizona, where Darlene opened a ceramics store and excelled at teaching ceramics classes to students of all ages.
Darlene was a devoted wife and mother and volunteered as a teacher’s aide. Darlene and Don enjoyed many trips in their RV until Don’s death in 1996. She later married Eugene (Gene) Smith and together they lived in Munds Park, Arizona, until his death in 2013. Throughout her lifetime, Darlene was an avid gardener, seamstress, and crafter, and she always doted on her many pets.
She is survived by her son Ray Schwellenbach; son David Schwellenbach and his wife, Sara; grandson Lucas Schwellenbach and his wife, Alicia; granddaughter Melinda Kemp; great-grandson Kyle Kemp; and sister, Shirley Nieman.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Don; sisters Alvina Johnson, Mabel McDowell, and Mildred Simpson; husband Gene; and many aunts, uncles, and in-laws.
Darlene's warm and caring nature will be deeply missed by her family and friends. May her memory bring comfort to all those who knew and loved her.
A graveside service was held at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, Arizona on January 12, 2024.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Manhattan, Kansas on March 29, 2024 from 4:00 until 7:00p.m. at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be mailed to:
Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice
3801 Vanesta Drive
Manhattan, Kansas 66503