LEAWOOD, Kan. – Darlene E. Powell, 96, passed away Sept, 6, 2017, at the Healthcare Resort, Leawood, Kan. She was born April 12, 1921, in Osage City, Kan., to Monroe and Gertrude (Lindbloom) Runyan.

Darlene attended Central Grade School, and graduated from Osage City High School in 1939.

On Dec. 31, 1944, Darlene married the person she calls the “special man” in her life, William F. Powell, at the Methodist parsonage in Osage City. They resided in Osage City the remainder of their lives with the exception of two years following their marriage while Mr. Powell was  completing his service commitment in the United States Navy. Darlene was employed at the Osage City Bank for 20 years. She and Mr. Powell also farmed and owned two grocery stores. She was an active member in the United Methodist Church, Methodist Women’s Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Sorosis Club and Fun Club.

Survivors include nephews and nieces, Kent Runyan and wife, Shara, of Columbia, Mo., Mark Runyan and wife, Peggy, Overland Park, Kan., Denise Mersmann and husband, Doug, Olathe, Kan., Robert J. Powell and wife, Sue, Wakarusa, Kan., Nora Mae Masters and husband, Gilbert, Burlingame, Kan., Beverly Powell, Topeka, Kan., and Barbara Selzer and husband, Jim, Evergreen, Colo., and many great nephews and nieces.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; husband William Powell; a brother Leonard Runyan and his wife, Marie Runyan; a great niece, Carrie Mersmann; and a brother-in-law, Bob Powell, and his wife, Wilma Powell.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, at the United Methodist Church, Osage City. Family will be receiving friends an hour before service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Osage City Methodist Church or the Osage City American
Legion. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.