Kathleen Darby Garrelts

January 2, 1945 - November 5, 2025

Kathleen Lynette Darby Garrelts, better known as Mom and Grandma to her family, Kay to her many friends, and Mrs. Garrelts to her many, many students, graduated this life on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Kay was born January 2, 1945, to Richard and Gwendolyn (Burton) Darby of Pleasanton, Neb. She was the 2nd of 12 siblings. On March 24, 1967 she married her love, Robert Garrelts. 1967 was a big year for Kay. She and Robert welcomed their daughter Melinda and she graduated from Kearney State College with a Teaching Degree. She began her 40-year teaching career in Wilcox but soon moved her family to Lexington, where she continued teaching until her retirement. In 1972, her family was completed when her son Matthew was born.

Kay taught at Morton Elementary until she was tapped to teach at the new elementary school, Sandoz. It was an exciting time, being in a brand new building and part of a brand new staff, teaching developmental and standard kindergarten. Kay moved to first grade but ultimately landed in her 3rd grade classroom, where she found the most joy.

Kay earned the prestigious Getty Grant, that provided Sandoz with many Apple Computers and gave her the opportunity to travel to many places, honing her curriculum writing skills. There was nothing Kay liked more than watching her student's eyes light up when they too found their passion for computers. Kay touched so many lives through teaching her students, well over 1000 in 40 years, their parents, her fellow teachers and many friends. When out and about, it was rare that she didn't find someone to talk to.

Robert passed away in 1987, when Kay was 42 years old. She had a strong will, which she needed to continue on, raising her family alone. Kay never remarried, and eventually moved to Johnson Lake spending 20 years in her cabin on the lake. Early mornings were spent on her swing with a cup of coffee, watching the water. Kay loved to read and belonged to book clubs in the area. She also loved quilting, and belonged to the area Quilt Guild. Hours were spent sewing. She was active with her friends at the lake playing Bunco and traveling to Eustis to swim for the exercise.

Kay, most of all was a mother. She appreciated Melinda for her intellect and for the many hours they spent together: watching Nebraska Volleyball, eating out and the many, many shopping trips. She was so proud of Matt, not only as her son but as a father. And, there wasn't a person she met that didn't hear about her son Matt, the deputy sheriff. She loved her granddaughters, Emily and Madi, with all her heart. Teaching Emily how to make her famous French Toast, and showing Madi how to sew were some of her happiest times.

Kay's memories will carry on through her children, Melinda Garrelts of Lexington and Matthew Garrelts of Bertrand; grandchildren, Emily and Madilyn of Lexington; and siblings: Richard (Min) Darby, Karen McCaslin, Ardith Shipley, Ronald (Beverley) Darby, Dee (Joe) Fairbanks, Bobbi (Tim) Walker, Jim (Heidi) Darby, Kelly (Carl) Darby – McClure, and Jon (Jody) Darby.

Besides her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; sisters, Cheryl Chilen and Bette Garlow; and her in-laws, Henry and Elnora Garrelts.

Memorials can be directed to the family towards Kay's favorite local groups.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Masonic Center on 9th and Washington in Lexington. A light meal will follow the Celebration.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kearney Hub on Nov. 15, 2025.