Darlene Mack

Darlene Mack, 94, Eaglecrest resident, passed into the arms of her Lord, May 24, 2022.

She was born Leona Darlene Chizek, September 15, 1927, in Norway, Kansas to Charles and Edith (Ames) Chizek. The family included a younger sister, Anita.

After graduation from Linn High School, she married Orrel Dale Mack from rural Clay Center. They had one daughter, Jeanette. Dale, the love of her life, died in 1984.

Darlene had many passions including cooking, sewing, reading and music. She played piano and gave lessons. Her lovely voice enhanced many special occasions. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Linn, and church organist for over 40 years and, also, directed the choir. Along with singing the soprano solo in the Linn Community Chorus at the annual Messiah presentation for many years, she sang with the Salina Chorale and was an active member of the Salina Symphony Guild. She was always interested in education and the young people of her community.

She loved to travel both in the U.S. and abroad. Some of her favorite trips were to California, the East Coast, South Dakota and to Texas to see her grandchildren. She made fabulous trips to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Alaska.

Both the Order of the Eastern Star and P.E.O. were important in Darlene’s life. She joined Star in 1949 and served as Worthy Matron of Greenleaf Chapter #208 in 1965 with her husband, Dale, as Worthy Patron. She was honored to serve as Worthy Grand Matron of Kansas in 1970-71. In 1976, she was elected a Grand Trustee and served 19 years in that capacity. She served many years on the Jurisprudence Committee and Scholarship  Board. After moving to Salina in 1988, she joined Chapter  BX-PEO, serving several years as treasurer and President from 1998-2000. She was Chairwoman of the state convention in 2002. She thoroughly enjoyed this organization and her sisters.

Darlene led a full and active life. Unfortunately, health problems curtailed her activities lately; however, her optimistic attitude and spunk never left her.

She is survived by her daughter, Jeanette (Robert P. Pratt), Katy, TX; two grandchildren, Robert Holbrook Mack Pratt, Katy, TX, and Melissa Angelene Pratt Jimenez (Lee), Richmond, TX; her sister, Anita Singular, Linn, KS; nephews, Kent and Lee Singular, Linn; and Charles Gray, McCook, NB; and their families; plus many friends.

Visitation will be at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, Monday, June 6, 2022 from 5 until 7 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2022 in the Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center, KS. with masonic rites provided by the Order of the Eastern Star.

A special thank you to the nurses, aids and staff at Eaglecrest and Kindred Hospice for taking such loving care of Darlene the last years of her life.

Condolences may be sent to 5215 Luckel Drive, Katy, TX, 77493 or Ryan Mortuary, Salina. Memorials are suggested to the Grand Chapter of Kansas Scholarship Fund, 221 S.W. 33rd Street, Topeka, KS. 66611 or Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin, Nevada, MO, 64772 or online at cottey.edu.

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