Photo courtesy of CLOSED-Davidson Funeral Home - Topeka
Topeka, Kansas
Jun 9, 1939 – Aug 23, 2020 (Age 81)
Darleen J. Flentie, age 81, of Topeka, formerly of Centralia, Kansas passed away Sunday morning, August 23, 2020 at Aldersgate Village in Topeka. Darleen was born June 9, 1939 in Vermillion, Kansas the daughter of Paul and Kelma (Cullimore) Watts. She married Elton Flentie March 15, 1955 in Topeka. He preceded her in death March 4, 2005. Elton and Darleen made their home north of Centralia on the family farm, Alfalfa Plains. Darleen owned and operated Flentie’s Retail Liquor, worked at CR Industries, served as Seneca Golf Course clubhouse manager and worked at the Hayes-Popkess Mortuary in Centralia. She was a member of the East Centralia Community Church (formerly the Centralia Congregational Church), where she served as a deaconess and taught Sunday School and was on the church board of directors. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels and served as a Farm Bureau Women’s Leader and was on the State Women’s Committee. She also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years.
Darleen is survived by a son, Keith W. (Carol) Flentie of Topeka; a daughter, Debra (Ray) Downing of Topeka; a sister Kelma “Tomi” O’Connor of Manhattan, KS; four grandchildren, Dustin (Hannah) Flentie, Shayla (Darren) Rottinhaus, Mark (Julia) Downing and Kristina (Nick) Landkamer and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Elda Joy Watts.
Funeral services will be Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the East Centralia Community Church. Darleen will lie in state Friday from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary in Seneca with visitation Friday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Centralia Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the East Centralia Community Church and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 N. Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS 66608. davidsonfuneral.com.
Read MoreSorry for your loss. Don & Cheryl Woolery
Cheryl Woolery
August 29, 2020 | Kansas City, KS
My Love and prayers to all the family. Fondest of my childhood memories of Darlene was her smile and joy and laughter. Amazing humor. Such Peace in our Blessed Assurance in Jesus our Savior! Like my dad always said, "Its not good bye its I will see you later!" And we shall! Heaven is a wonderful glorious place!! Love you all❤
Cindy Goodrich
August 28, 2020 | Wildomar, CA | Family
Sorry for your loss. Alvin and I saw her at the Centralia cemetery in years past and she told us she and other ladies picked up flowers that would be thrown away and kept them in the shed and the next Memorial Day they would put them on graves that never had any flowers. How thoughtful that was.
Norma Schmidt Milner
August 28, 2020 | Topeka, KS | Friend
Sorry for your loss. Have memories of her living north of Hayes funeral home and how well she kept her yard. Prayers to the family. Jo Ann Harris Casebier
Jo Ann Casebier
August 28, 2020 | Topeka, KS
Deb so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family
Carl Deters
August 27, 2020 | Carbondale, KS | Acquaintance
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
lila alfers
August 27, 2020 | Axtell, KS | Family
Sending love and prayers to all of you. Blessings and Prayers . Cheryl McBratney Mosley
Cheryl Mosley
August 27, 2020 | Canton, GA | Friend
I was so sorry to hear of Darleen's passing. I have such good memories of times spent with the family when I was in school with Elda Joye. Was good friends with Darleen. Lost touch over the years, but met up a couple of times at alumni reunions. My sympathies to the family.
Joyce Drinkwater Wiltz
Joyce Wiltz
August 27, 2020 | Sedalia, MO | Friend
Darlene was a good schoolmate and neighbor to my parents. Sending sympathy to all of her family.
Nancy Boston
August 27, 2020 | Olathe, KS | Friend
