Darleen Kay Berry, 81, of Topeka, KS went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 11, 2018, surrounded by family.
Darleen was born June 22, 1937, the daughter of Claude Luther and Donna Bell Bartley Liles. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1955, and on September 2, 1961, married Donald Wallace Berry.
Darleen worked for the Federal Government for 38 years before retiring in December 1993. Her career began as a secretary for various Wing Commanders at Forbes Field. She then began working as the project assistant at the United States Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Perry. She ended her career as an Administrator for the U.S. Geological Survey in Lawrence, Kansas. Darleen was always proud of the work she did for the Federal Government.
Upon retirement Darleen and her husband, Don, began spending winters in Lakeland, Florida where they met many new friends from across the country and Canada. While living in the park in Florida, Darleen spent time riding bikes, participating in group activities, planning and cooking for street dinners, exercising in the pool, and just enjoying the weather and friendly faces she came into contact with daily. Retirement also allowed Darleen and Don to take various cruises with friends and travel to Hawaii.
Some of Darleen's favorite past times included spending time with her sisters where they would quilt, play cards and games, and visit. She also enjoyed family time whether it was attending dance recitals, sporting events, or holiday gatherings. Darleen was best known for her sweet and caring demeanor. She always put others before herself, and her smile was contagious.
Darleen attended East Side Baptist Church in Topeka and Medulla Baptist Church in Lakeland.
Darleen was blessed with three children; Michael (Kim) Berry, Ozawkie, KS; Donette (Tim) Ek, Lincoln, NE; Michelle (Stephen) McDonald, Rogersville, MO; nine grandchildren; Kristina (Chris) Herring, Emilee (Erik) Otte, Katelynn (Channdler) Knudson, Chesley McDonald, Callie Hoobler, Lydia McDonald, Stewart McDonald, Caleb Weybrew, Michaela Berry; two great-grandsons; Asher Herring, Jeremiah Otte and numerous nieces and nephews. Darleen was proceeded in death by her husband, Don, and her six siblings and their spouses and a granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 15, 2018, at Penwell-Gabel-Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka. Family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time. Burial will follow at Topeka Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to East Side Baptist Church Building Fund, 4425 SE 29th St, Topeka, KS 66605.
Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family.To leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.