Zelda Mae Marie Darnell, 89, dedicated mother and wife, passed away October 10, 2022, at her home in Damar, Kansas. She was born to William “Bill” And Emma (Benoit) Darnell in Rural Damar. After Emma’s death, Bill married Alma Desbien. Together they had three sons: Bill, Jr., Gerald, and Harlan.
Zelda attended the Damar schools. When she was seventeen, she met Ernest “Ernie” Darnell at a barn dance in 1950. They fell in love and were married December 29, 1950 in the family home. To this union six children were born: Marilyn, Carolyn, Larry, Jerry, Shannon, and Shane. Zelda was very proud of her family and tended to spoil each and every one of them. She was a master in the kitchen from her meals to her treats. All were homemade and created with love. Through the years Zelda and Ernie were blessed with 19 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren, who they loved and enjoyed immensely.
Reading and listening to Elvis were two of her favorite activities. She also was a huge Kansas University basketball fan and an avid card player. Pitch, pinochle, rummy, and the occasional chicken scratch game were frequent pastimes in the Darnell household. While the card games were extremely “competitive” between Zelda and Ernie, when KU played, they were able to come together for their common goals of hating the refs and the opponents, especially Duke.
Zelda is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ernie; three sons: Larry, Jerry, and Shane; two granddaughters Jolana and Kaitlyn; and her brother Bill. Survivors left to honor and cherish her memory are her three daughters: Marilyn Darnell of Damar, Carolyn Terry and husband Tony of Plainville, and Shannon Kibel of Bogue; two brothers Gerald Thyfault and wife Cynthia of Hays and Harlan Thyfault and wife Jeanie of North Carolina; daughter-in-law Patty Darnell of Downs; 17 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
For the past 10 years, Zelda and her family were blessed with wonderful and loving caregivers. Thank you, Barb and Lori Hamel, Pam Hollern and her many great neighbors.
Click HERE for service details.