Darlene was born July 24, 1935 to Charles Simon and Anna Theresa (Morrissey) Ellis in Maryville, MO. She was a 1953 graduate of Maryville High School. On May 19, 1956 she married Thomas Farnan at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Kansas City, MO.
Darlene retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone following 40 years of service. She was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kansas City serving as a Eucharistic Minister, member of the Altar and Rosary Society, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. She was a devoted fan of the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Tom in 2013, and her five brothers, James Sye Ellis, John Ellis, Bill Ellis, Bob Ellis, and Russell Ellis.
Her passion was her children and her grandchildren and she put family first. Darlene always wanted everyone to feel welcome and included. In recent years, mom loved caring for her two cats, Mama Kitty and Bibsy, and following her favorite TV shows. Grandma-“GiGi”-was also highly skilled at the “Crane Game” and loved to win prizes for her grandkids.
Survivors include her daughters, Sheryl Farnan (Jay Leipzig), Jennifer Rumbo (Allen), Kathleen “Casey” Merker (Michael), and son, Thomas Farnan (Thaphne) of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Tatiana Smith (Tyler) of McClouth, KS, Maria Leipzig, Madison Samm (Tiernen), Nick Rumbo (Mary Brooks), Alex Merker, Victoria Guinn (Jacob) of St. Joseph, MO; and great grandchildren, Ira Samm, Joan Samm, and Mary Samm; and several nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 AM Friday, February 16th, at St. Patrick Catholic Church where a visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to KC Pet Project or your local animal shelter. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Venkatadri C. Beeki, MD at the University of Kansas Cancer Center and the NorthCare Team of Kansas City Hospice.
