Darlene J. Bedore passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at the Solomon Valley Manor at the age of 85. She was born on November 8, 1933 on a farm in Smith County, Kansas to Ebon and Irene (St. Clair) Strain. She attended school at Harlan High School and graduated with the class of 1951. She was united in marriage to James Riedel of Tipton, Kansas in 1953 and they were blessed with two children: Ron and Rick. Jim and Darlene later divorced and several years later she married Delaine Bedore who farmed southwest of Stockton. Delaine later passed away in March of 1988.

Darlene worked various positions throughout her life. She was, a secretary for Smith County ASCS office, a bookkeeper for the Stockton National Bank for many years and later the Catholic Church in Stockton and a customer service sale’s clerk at the Stockton Pharmacy until her retirement in the spring of 2016. She was a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church and the Ladies VWF Auxiliary.

Darlene liked to sew, quilt and do needle point. She loved to read fiction novels and she was an avid gardener and loved indoor flowers. Above all, Darlene loved cats, she used to brag, when she was a little girl on her family farm, she had 33 cats and had names for all of them. Throughout her whole life she always had a favorite cat to keep her company and sit with her for relaxing moments.

She is survived by her sons, Ronald Riedel and wife Renee of Linn Creek, MO and Rick Riedel of Salina, KS; two grandchildren, Melissa Dorris and husband Jimmie and Meghan Riedel; and a new great-grandchild, Ava Dorris.

Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, Ebon and Irene Strain; and brother, Armond Strain.

Darlene will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but the celebration of her life and memories will never be forgotten. For each one of us who had the privilege of knowing and loving her, she leaves a legacy of kindness, deep caring, and devoted love.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Plumer Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton. Burial will follow at the Stockton Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Ladies Auxiliary and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home at 723 North 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.