AUBURN, Kan. – Mildred “Darlene” Farrar, 86, Auburn, Kan., passed away Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Aldersgate Village Nursing Home. She was born Dec. 25, 1933, east of Carbondale, Kan., on the family farm, the daughter of Floyd “Pete” Vail and Wilma (Coultis) Vail.

Darlene grew up in the Carbondale area, graduating from Carbondale High School with the class of 1951. Darlene also lived in Wakarusa, Kan., and later moving to Auburn. Darlene worked as a certified nurse’s assistant for 18 years at Brookside Manor, Overbrook, Kan. She was a member of the Overbrook Christian Church. She spent many hours over the years volunteering for various church activities, but especially in the church kitchen helping cook many meals for the congregation. She also loved to sew and make quilts. She also spent many hours gardening and canning. She was your quintessential country grandma, always cooking something fresh and never afraid of hard work.

On July 2, 1971, Darlene was united in marriage to Dallas Farrar, in Topeka, Kan. Dallas preceded her in death in 1983.

She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Deborah Lynn Snyder and Doug Smoot., Clifton, Kan.; two brothers, Dale Vail and Darrell Vail, both of Topeka; a granddaughter, Christine House and Ryun Bayless, Topeka; three great grandchildren, Cole House and Mariah Cochran, Noah Bayless, and Meah Bayless; a great-great granddaughter, Izabell House; and five stepsons, three stepdaughters, and numerous step-grandchildren.

Graveside funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21, at Carbondale Cemetery, Carbondale. Memorial contributions may be made to Interim Hospice and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, PO Box 268, Overbrook, KS 66524. Condolences can be left at www.lamb-roberts.com.