Darlene F. Plymell, 80, Hays, died Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Via Christi Village.
She was born March 5, 1944, in Great Bend, the daughter of Emery E. and Twila M. (Bisbee) Grossardt. Darlene graduated from Claflin High School in 1962, and then she attended Fort Hays State University earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mathematics. On Dec. 19, 1965, she was united in marriage to Jerry McNeill in Hays and they had two daughters, Molly and Sherry. They later divorced. On June 10, 1984, she was united in marriage to Larry Plymell in Hays, and they celebrated nearly 40 years of marriage. Darlene was a dedicated math teacher, teaching at Lexington High School in Nebraska for two years, Hays High School for 35 years, and at FHSU for four years. In 2002, she was named USD 489 Master Teacher of the Year. Her memberships included Hays First United Methodist Church, Milers Sunday School, Hays NEA, and FHSU Alumni Association. She enjoyed reading, knitting, and crocheting, making countless prayer shawls for the church. She loved traveling with Larry and was able to visit all 50 states. Darlene loved her family and attending her grandchildren’s many events and activities.
Survivors include her husband Larry of Hays, father-in-law, Harold Plymell of Hays, three daughters, Molly Legleiter and husband Shawn of Hays, Sherry Kinderknecht and husband Norman of Colby, and Courtney Britton of Goodland, a stepsister, Carol Horton of Great Bend, a stepbrother, Jim Riebel and wife Dee of Lubbock, Texas, four grandchildren, Cole Jacobsen, Breckyn Kinderknecht, Bailey Britton, and Logan Britton, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Norbert Riebel, her sister, Vonnie Burmeister and husband Fritz, and her stepbrother-in-law, Larry Horton.
Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Hays First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Craig Hauschild officiating. Darlene loved the color red and all are invited to wear a touch of red in her honor. Burial will follow in Mt. Allen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. on Friday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Hays First United Methodist Church or to HaysMed Hospice. Condolences and memories of Darlene may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com.