After a bravely fought battle with cancer, Darlene June Drolett, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away on August 22, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.  She was 88 years old.

The youngest of five children, Darlene was born in Sabetha, Kansas to Eli and Minnie (Stoldt) Strahm.  Darlene grew up on the family farm where she developed her life-long love affair with dogs, birds, and nature.   Throughout her life she loved to garden, grow beautiful flowers, and even in her early 80's enjoyed mowing the lawn.  From a very young age she always had a dog to love and cherish and as an adult her yard would always have at least one bird feeder so she could enjoy watching birds.  She clearly passed that same love for animals down to her kids, grandkids and great-grandchild because among them, she leaves behind one parrot, seven dogs, fourteen cats, one fox, a raccoon, and one skunk!

Darlene attended Sabetha High School where she was Homecoming Queen.  After graduation, she moved to Topeka, Kansas to begin her career working for the State of Kansas.  In 1956 she married Kenneth Drolett, and they remained married for six decades until his death in 2016.  Their long marriage was a true partnership built on devotion and respect. Darlene and Ken were blessed with two children: Doug in 1961 and Dena in 1964.  She poured her heart into raising them, balancing hard work with unconditional love, and later welcomed the joy of grandchildren and a great grandchild into her life.

Darlene spent countless hours crocheting, knitting, creating blankets, scarves, and sweaters that carried her warmth and care in every stitch. She also enjoyed fishing, finding treasures at garage sales and visiting casinos in Kansas, Louisiana and Las Vegas.

Sports, however, held a special place in her heart. Darlene was a dedicated fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and the University of Kansas Jayhawks basketball team. Her living room was often filled with the sound of play-by-play announcers, cheers, and the occasional yell at the referees. Through victories and tough seasons, her loyalty never wavered.  She placed an intense focus on playing Fantasy Football where she won the last two seasons.

Darlene is survived by her children Douglas Ray Drolett (Rose) and Dena Kay Garcia and grandchildren; Damian Schillaci of Austin, Tx; Cody Drolett (Skye) of Houston, Tx; Kelsi Reich of Conroe, Tx (Gareth); Mackenzie Drolett of Spring, Tx and one great-grandchild Kynli Trollip of Conroe, Tx.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klein Funeral Home on Champion Forest Drive. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Darlene are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate her life. A funeral mass will take place at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 27, at 11:00 a.m.

Darlene's life was a testament to love, family, and faith. While she will be deeply missed, her memory will remain alive in every story shared, every handmade gift treasured, and every game watched in her honor.