Darlene Irwin

Darlene Irwin age 82 of St. Marys and formerly of Greensburg passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka. She was born October 5, 1930 in Webster the daughter of William Henry and Lila Mae (Hemmerling) Russ. Darlene grew up in the Webster community and moved to Greensburg graduating from Greensburg High School in 1948. She also graduated Brown Mackie Business College. Darlene had lived in the Greensburg community until 1972 when she moved to St. Marys. She moved back to Greensburg in 1979 to work in the Treasurers Office at the Kiowa County Courthouse until she retired in 1992. Darlene then returned to St. Marys to be closer to her family. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Greensburg, KS, the American Legion Auxiliary and the V.F.W. Auxiliary. On February 24, 1953 in Wichita, Kansas, Darlene was united in marriage to Lawrence C. Irwin. They later divorced and he died July 21, 1999. She was also preceded in death by her parents and three infant sisters. Darlene is survived by three daughters, Linda Rodenbaugh of St. Marys, Lila Diehl of Freeport, TX and Laurie Franks (Danny) of Emmett; one son, Lawrence William Irwin of St. Marys; four grandchildren, Nichole Louks (Jamie), Ryan Diehl (Joanna), Misty Bell (Mark) and Jeff Caraway; three great-grandchildren, Madison, Laci and Preston Louks. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice House and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 W. Maple St, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.