Darlene passed away peacefully at Pine Village in Moundridge, Kansas on January 30, 2024. She was born in Moundridge, KS, August 29, 1931 to Matt and Gracie (Friesen) Tatro. Darlene spent most of her younger years growing up in Harvey County but later moved to Moundridge where she attended Moundridge High School. She graduated in May of 1949.
On Sept. 30, 1950 she was joined in marriage to Theron Lee Buehler. Being members of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Moundridge, they were married at the pastor’s home. They were later blessed with 3 daughters, Audrey, Amy and Shelly. Tragedy hit when Theron passed away suddenly on May 19, 1965 leaving her with 3 young children.
Darlene had been a homemaker all her married life but after Theron’s passing, she worked hard at the local drugstore, as a school librarian, and at the county courthouse before deciding to pursue her passion for a career in nursing. At the age of 41, she started school at the School of Practical Nursing in McPherson and graduated September 19, 1973. In spite of her apprehensions of not being able to “cut it”, she excelled and graduated as salutatorian only missing the Valedictorian by one tenth of a point. She worked at Mercy Hospital in Moundridge both as a surgical scrub and as a dedicated floor nurse for over 20 years until she retired.
Darlene enjoyed working with her flowers, especially her colorful tulips which were found scattered randomly throughout her yard. She loved to garden, sew, cook and anything else connected with homemaking. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved being able to help with their care and she always seemed to understand their needs, but was never judgmental or critical. She was always there if they needed her. They remember her wonderful rye bread and her amazing scrambled eggs. Nobody could do it like grandma. She loved her animals, especially dogs and she adored her pet dachshunds, Chester, Rubina and Zoey. After being widowed for over 44 years, she married her neighbor, Jack R. Willis, on September 19, 2009. They remained in Moundridge until Darlene was no longer able to be cared for at her home. She moved to McPherson to live with her daughter, Amy, and then on to Brookdale for two years before moving to Pine Village.
Darlene is survived by her daughters, Audrey (Stan) Neufeld, Amy January, and Shelly Conquest; her husband, Jack R. Willis; 7 grandchildren, Kristin (Jeff) Buckman, Dustin (Paige) Conquest, Joshua (Kristine) Blank, Austin Conquest, Genna (Brian) Reeves, Jesse (Erica) Neufeld, and Brooke January; as well at 17 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Theron; her parents; and a brother, Bill Tatro.
Darlene will be remembered as an extraordinary mom, an exceptional grandma and loving wife. She will be sorely missed but her spirit will live on for all of us in the wonderful memories she gave us.
There will be a visitation where family will greet friends from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, February 4, 2024 at the Moundridge Funeral Home. A private graveside service for family will be held at Mound Township Cemetery in Moundridge. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Gentiva Hospice, 900 E 1st St W1, McPherson, KS 67460. Cards and condolences may be sent to Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.