Darlene Francis Spence, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on February 16, 1942, to Anthony “Andy” and Ann (Sadowsky) Breitenstein, Darlene grew up on a farm where she learned the values of hard work, creativity, generosity, and caring for others. Those values shaped the remarkable life she would build and the countless lives she would touch.
Darlene’s life was defined by nurturing, creating, and caring. Her hands built a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. Whether tending flourishing gardens, sewing yards of fabric into beautiful and useful creations, preparing home-cooked meals, or baking treats for family, friends, and neighbors, she found joy in caring for others and sharing her gifts.
Her greatest accomplishment and deepest pride was being a mother to her five children—and, as she often lovingly said, “five plus one.” She devoted her life to her family and leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue for generations.
Darlene is lovingly remembered by her children: Kelly (Mike) Davert, Scot Kelso, John (Deanna) Kelso, Lynn (Curt) Marshall, and Margaret (James) Peterson. She was a cherished grandmother to Christian Kenney, Dylan Kelso, Andy Marshall, Remington Peterson, Raven Peterson, Kellian Peterson, and Keiran Peterson, and a proud great-grandmother to Elizabeth Peterson and Elaine Peterson. She is also survived by her brother, Gene Breitenstein.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” W. Spence; her parents, Anthony “Andy” and Ann Breitenstein; her beloved granddaughter, Mattison Hadley Peterson; and her daughter-in-law, Debra Kelso.
Together, Darlene and Jim shared a life rich with adventure, service, and friendship. They enjoyed traveling, volunteering through their church, and gathering with friends for games of Pitch and International Joker. For twelve years, they managed Camp Webster, where they welcomed countless guests, formed lasting friendships, and created cherished memories. They also catered meals and supported their community through auctions, their churches, and Salina Catholic Schools. Darlene especially valued her time volunteering at the Rebecca A. Morrison Hospitality House, where she continued her lifelong commitment to serving others with compassion and kindness.
Darlene had a special appreciation for life’s simple joys. She loved working puzzles, playing cards, watching hummingbirds and cardinals visit her yard, and spending time in her gardens. She especially loved baking and teaching others how to bake, using food as a way to express kindness, warmth, and generosity.
Above all, Darlene will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her servant’s heart, and the way she made everyone feel welcome at her table. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the traditions she passed down, and the love she shared so freely.
The visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. July 10 at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, KS. With a Rosary at 10:00 a.m. before the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. July 11 at St. Mary’s Church, Salina, KS, with a luncheon to follow. The burial will follow the luncheon at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Newton, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Darlene’s honor may be made to Sacred Heart High School in Salina, Kansas, or the Rebecca A. Morrison Hospitality House in Salina, Kansas. These organizations reflect the faith, compassion, and generosity that were central to her life and the legacy she leaves behind.