Nola "Darlene" Smith

Nola Darlene (Williams) Smith was born on November 25, 1929 in Beloit, KS. She was the daughter of John and Nellie Williams. Darlene passed away at the age of 84 on Friday, August 22, 2014 at Hilltop Nursing Home in Beloit.
She grew up and lived her entire life in Beloit, leaving for a five year period when she lived in the Lawrence/Olathe area to be closer to her daughters and their families. She returned to Beloit in February 2012 to reside at Hilltop Assisted Living.
Darlene attended Beloit Schools, graduating from BHS in May, 1947. She worked as a "Blue Girl" at Mitchell County Hospital during and following high school. Nursing and caregiving was a career, which she considered pursuing. Plans changed when she met and married Jack Smith on October 12, 1947. They celebrated their 40th Anniversary prior to his passing in Dec. 1987.
Over the years Darlene enjoyed sewing for her children, crocheting, gardening (both vegetables and flowers), canning, baking and later years traveling to various parts of the United States. She prepared and cooked meals for the harvest crews, summer farm help and drove the trucks when needed.
She greatly enjoyed being with friends and people and as a result she was involved and an active member of the following community, church and social clubs: Queen Esther ladies group in Beloit; 'SeLeTe' Sunday school young adult class; UMW and Steven's Ministry through the United Methodist Church; Rebekah Lodge (both in Glen Elder and Beloit); West Beloit EHU; Qui Bene Club; Beloit Country Club; and assisted with deliveries for Meals-on-Wheels.
Darlene also worked a couple of winters at the Beloit Veterinary Clinic. And in her true nature, she was a caregiver to everyone in the family and often visited many community members through her Steven's Ministries.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws (Gerald & Aileen Smith); brothers, Harold & Denzil Williams; two sisters in-law (Jeanne Smith & Theda Williams); two brothers in-law (Bill Smith & Jerry Moody); a nephew, Mark Smith; a great-nephew, Todd Moody; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and her husband, Jack.
Darlene is survived by a sister, Nadine Moody (McCook, Neb.), 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren: son, Bruce Smith/wife, Louise (Nicole, Erin, Bridgette, Adrianna & Melody and Aaron Morgan), all of Wyoming & Montana, daughter, Brenda Clark (Matthew, Kristina and Andrew) all in Lawrence area, daughter, Barb Lomeli/husband, Michael (Taylor, Jackson and Monique) all of Olathe, KS.
Also surviving are 13 great grandchildren (and 1 on the way); 9 nephews; 1 niece; sister-in law, Colleen Smith (California); several great nieces and nephews and many long time farm and community friends; and two very special lifetime, childhood friends: Helen Hurley & Phyllis Rasdall; and extended family members surviving Darlene also include: Jan Montz, Tim Clark & Floyd Holmes.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, August 28 at the McDonald Funeral Home followed by burial in Elmwood Cemetery in Beloit. Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice or the First United Methodist Church - Music Enhancement. The casket will remain closed.