Darlene Smith

Darlene Smith, 92, peacefully entered into rest on March 18, 2026, after a short stay at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to that she was a resident at Our Lady of Mercy Country Home for seven years.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Gladys Burris; her husband, Newt (Smitty) Smith; her daughter, Karla Jean Smith; and her sisters, Sephronia Arthaud, Hazel Thach, and Imogene Knofflock. ``

Darlene is survived by her daughters, Deborah Gleason and her husband Milton; Donna Chapman; Lisa Chaney and her husband Alan. Darlene’s surviving six grandchildren are: Zachary Gleason and wife Britney Hopkins; Katie Slaughter and husband Josh; Melissa Lopez and her husband Dan; Sarah Rodkey; Scott and his wife, Jayn Chaney; and Bruce Chaney. She is also survived by her sister, Avanell Hasty and her husband, Frank along with her brother Duane Burris and his wife Sandy.

Darlene’s 14 surviving great-grandchildren include: Teal and Miriam Gleason; Evelyn and Graham Slaughter; Kassi Wood and her husband Andrew, Andrew Lopez and his wife Nicolette, Jenna and Olivia Lopez; Lilyana Cruz and Brooklyn Rodkey; Jackson Chaney; Alexis, Kinsleigh and Jaysn Chaney. Her four great-great-grandchildren are: Kylie, Katie and Aaron Wood and Genevieve Eller.

She leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews and close family friends with whom she shared many happy memories. Some of her favorite times were sharing stories and remembrances with family and friends.

Darlene was born, Wilba Darlene Burris in Wichita Kansas on October 10, 1933. She graduated from North High School in Wichita. Darlene entered the Air Force on March 28, 1952 at the age of 18 during the Korean War Conflict and was awarded the ‘National Defense Service Medal'. She was honorably discharged in 1954. Darlene enjoyed her time in the Air Force and was nominated by her daughter, Lisa and chosen to attend an Honor Flight to tour Washington DC in September of 2016 which was a truly a dream come true for her--she was the only female veteran on that flight. A marvelous homecoming was enjoyed when she returned from the Honor Flight!

Darlene married Newt (Smitty) Smith in Wichita, Kansas on December 6, 1959. Over the years, Darlene worked as a waitress, restaurant manager and bookbinder. She and Smitty were ice cream/dairy store and restaurant owners. They lived in the Kansas City Northland for many years and later moved further north to Turney, Missouri where they had a small acreage with a pond and plenty of garden space. Darlene canned vegetable from the garden for her family over the years and also, raised chickens and ducks. She enjoyed many hobbies and pastimes including Bingo, sewing, crochet, ceramics, bowling, liquid embroidery painting, canning, camping and cooking over an open campfire.

Funeral Service will be held at Newcomer’s White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. followed by services at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made “Honoring Darlene Smith” to Our Lady of Mercy Country Home, 2115 Maturana Drive, Liberty, Missouri, 64068.