Sylvia Darlene Roberts

Sylvia Darlene Roberts, affectionately known as Darlene, 76 years old, of Medina, Ohio, passed away on December 6, 2025. She was born on August 26,1949 in Princeton, West Virginia to the late Leslie L. and Avera Deloris (Walker) Shorter Hicks.

Darlene had a deep love of learning. In her 30's she went back to school to get her degree in bookkeeping and accounting, she always had an affinity for numbers. Upon graduation, Darlene began her career outside of the home with Akron Home Medical services in Akron Ohio. After spending several years there, she began moving to numerous places throughout the country with her husband Raymond Padgett, buying, rebuilding, or starting new businesses. The most successful being Green machine which was eventually bought by John Deere. She eventually returned to Princeton, West Virginia, which she always considered home.

With each grandchild that was born, Darlene would drop everything and come to welcome them into the world with great love. The days would turn into weeks, months, years, and eventually Medina became her new home.

Darlene's greatest joy in life were her grandchildren, who affectionately called her Mimi. The Mimi taxi was always ready to transport the kids to practices, lessons, concerts and golf tournaments. She loved time spent with them and was eager to hear about their day whether good or bad. She gave advice only if asked, she was never judgmental, just ready with a listening ear. She took great pride in all their accomplishments and milestones in school, life, and on the golf course.

Darlene was a very talented sewer and crocheter who made countless clothes with the most comfortable material she could find for the grandchildren. She loved music and singing, and wanted to attend every choir concert and encore performance, and she would sing along if she recognized the piece.

You would never see Darlene without a smile on her face. She was selfless, kind, compassionate, and caring. Her light will forever shine down bright.

She is survived by her loving daughter April (Rob) Riedel; cherished grand-children Makenna, Kamdyn and Trent Riedel; and her siblings Arnold Walker, Willard Hick sand Yvonne Wiles, and numerous nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her first husband Rex Roberts; second husband Raymond Padgett; and her siblings Melda Gay and Daniel Hicks, Ronald Shorter and Jerry Ray Walker.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Waite Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, OH 44256. A service will immediately follow at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.