Darlene D. Mears, Age: 86
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Feb 06, 1934---Jun 11, 2020

Dalene D. Mears, 86, passed away on June 11, 2020 at her home in Merriam, KS after a long courageous 3 year battle with cancer.  During her battle she was surrounded by the love and support of her 5 children until the very end.
Darlene was born February 6th, 1934 in Kansas City, KS.  She was preceded in death by her parents Martin O. Jackson, and Clara T. Luft.  She was an only child.
By the age of 10 she had lost both of her parents and was raised by loving family members.
Some of her early memories were spending summers with relatives in Sterling, Colorado.  She cherished these memories her entire life.
Darlene graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1952.  After high school she went to work for TWA before starting her family.  She married Ronald D. Mears in 1955.
She was very active in her 5 children’s lives.  She was President of PTA, Blue Bird Leader, Boy Scout Leader, and 4-H Leader.  She took great pleasure in her expertise and being a perfectionist as she shared her skills and knowledge.  Even with 5 children she attended all sports and school activities.
After she raised her family, one of her passions was volunteering.  She worked and then spent many hours at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City, KS, and Advent Health in Shawnee Mission, helping support those in need.  She was recognized with awards for her many hours of volunteering at Advent Health. 
She is survived by her 5 children; Ronnie, Mark, Cindy (Chuck) Ford, Stacy Ford, Tracy (Greg) Talkin.
12 grandchildren; Jodee, Stuart, Cassidy, Erin, William, Madison, Andrew, Abby, Jacob, Joshua, Brandon and Haley, and 12 great grandchildren.  All family members are living in the greater Kansas City area.
Darlene had a special place in her heart to look for the good in life and people.  She was a Mom, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, friend, and mentor to many.  Very early on when grandchildren were born she was given the name of Grandma “Darla”.  This stuck with her until the end.  Her passion for detail she would express in her stories will be remembered always. She had a great wealth of knowledge for life events, she loved to read, and be part of social groups.  In fact, until she learned of her illness, she was still planning social outings for her circle of friends.
Darlene will be missed by her Family, but know she is at peace.  Her strength that the family observed these last few years was done with grace and dignity. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses that cared and supported her these last 3 years.
 
A private Service will be held on Monday June 15th at Hope Lutheran Church, final resting place at Highland Cemetery in Kansas City, KS.  Darlene’s wishes were to have memorial donations made to Hope Lutheran Church in Shawnee, KS. and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Kansas City, KS.


Condolences

Karen Bell Jun 12, 2020

Friend/Co-Worker ,Cameron ,Missouri

Cindy I am so sorry on the passing of your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Timothy Schaefer Jun 12, 2020

fellow sojourner ,Burnsville ,Minnesota

Cindy and the rest of your siblings and family, it saddens us both to know that you have lost your Mom to cancer, but it gladdens us to know that she was one of the Lord's faithful sheep. We were only privileged to be around your family during the year of our vicarage at St. Luke's back in '70 - '71. You may recall that we house sat while your family was on vacation. We enjoyed your Mom and Dad so very much. He always got a kick out of the fact that I borrowed his golf clubs, hauled them on the back of my motorcycle all the way out to Leavenworth, only to discover that they were left handed. That really cracked him up. We also fed the cow, as well as some pesky fleas. They also laughed about that. May your Mom's memory be a source of joy, comfort and happiness. The Lord bless and keep you all! Tim and Lana Schaefer

Roseanne Bukaty Becker Jun 12, 2020

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Mark and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your mom was a remarkable soul and will be missed on this earth. My deepest condolences. May she rest in God’s arms now.

Tina and Dean Bridge Jun 13, 2020

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Cindy, so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Chuck, abd your entire family.

Steve Hatesohl Jun 13, 2020

Friend/Financial Advisor ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Darlene was a delightful lady. I enjoyed my long term relationship with her greatly. May God grant peace to all who loved her!

Nancy Spangler Jun 13, 2020

Friend ,Bella Vista ,Arkansas

Sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a beautiful woman and she had a great spirit. I enjoyed her when we all lived in Welborn and the kids were growing up. I know you kids will miss her but just remember the kind of woman she was and how she affected all your lives. May God hold each of you as you grieve your loss. Love to all, Nancy Spangler

Val & Jay Davidson Jun 13, 2020

Friends ,OVERLAND PARK ,Kansas

Dear Mears Family, So sorry to hear the passing of your mother. We was a great lady. I always enjoyed talking with her. Our condolences to all.

Karen Wagner Jun 14, 2020

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Cindy I just can’t believe this. As you know I have loved your mother dearly as she always makes me think of my own Mom. Darlene was always so loving and full of grace. I’m glad that she is in heaven with Pastor May it seems so fitting that they should be together so soon. John and I love all of you! So many wonderful memories of all of us being together in our youth at St Lukes. Mark you’ll be pleased to know that John and I just brought home a new lab puppy. We hope we learned a lot from you and your care of Norman. I sure hope we do a better job this time. Peace to all of you we love you and so wish we could be there to celebrate Darlene. John and Karen Wagner

Becky Pressly Jun 14, 2020

Friend and fellow volunteer at Advent Health ,OLATHE ,Kansas

To the Mears family I would like to share what a wonderful person I thought your mother was. She really enjoyed seeing the dogs from Pet Partners that visited our hospital. I always enjoyed her smiling face and stories when I visited with her. She is with God now and at peace.

Marilyn Gunderman Jun 14, 2020

Life long friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

To the Mears Family, As Chairman of the Wyandotte High School Class of 1952 Reunion Committee we send our sincere sympathy, as we too mourn the death of our dear classmate, Darlene. She was always on our committee and often in charge of getting the bands and always got our favors from Appreciated Advertising. I still have wine glasses, coffee cups and mugs with the logos still on them. I also have 2 tennis racket key chains which say “Advertising is My Racket “ that your Dad gave Norm and I. On a more personal note, I have been friends with Darlene since 1949. I love her and will miss her very much. I know some of the pain you are going through as I just lost Norm in January after 63 years of marriage. I know they are now free of the pain and suffering but it is still hard to lose them. A friend sent me this and I hope you like it. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal- Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Sincerely, Marilyn Fendorf Gunderman

Michael Keller Jun 14, 2020

Friend of a family member ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Ron, Jean and Family, We are so very sorry for the loss of your Mother. Our hearts break for you. May she rest in Paradise.

pete pomerenke Jun 15, 2020

friend ,kansas city ,Kansas

i have great memories of your folks, you mom was a neat lady always had a smile on her face, was a proud lady always willing to work in the shadows not needing the glory of the spotlight, loved her children.

Gary J Marlin Jun 15, 2020

Friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Tracy, Stacy, Mark, Cindy and Ron - I was so sorry to read about your mom in the paper. That was such a great picture of her. I'm sure she is smiling at all of you right now.

Judy McRoberts Jun 15, 2020

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

Jun 15, 2020

Darlene was a dear friend of mime for almost 25 years. She shared her many talents and boundless energy with our social group, hosting many wonderful dinners, trips and parties. She had many treasured friends and was always there when anyone needed help or encouragement. I feel so very blessed to have had Darlene in my life

Monty Weston Jun 28, 2020

Friend ,Basehor ,Kansas

To the entire Mears family. I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I have many fond memories of the times we spent together on your farm. You all hold a special place in my heart. My deepest sympathy to you and all your family.