Darlene Folsom Reed

Shirley “Darlene” Mitchell Folsom Reed passed away peacefully at home on September 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A longtime resident of Stanley and Louisburg, Kansas, Darlene will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Darlene was born on July 4, 1938, in Kansas City, Kansas, to the late Albert and Flossie (Powers) Mitchell. One of 10 children, she spent part of her childhood in communities throughout southern Missouri and Oklahoma before returning to Kansas City, Kansas. In 1978, she moved to Stanley, Kansas, after accepting a position with Water District No. 2 of Johnson County, Kansas. She later moved to Louisburg, Kansas, in 1993, where she lived until moving in with her daughter in Stilwell, Kansas in 2024.

Darlene married her first husband, Charles Folsom Sr., on July 20, 1953. They shared 29 years of marriage before his death on May 5, 1983.

On December 21, 1987, Darlene married John Reed in Las Vegas, Nevada. They remained together until his death on July 22, 2016.

Darlene worked for Johnson County Water District No. 1 and Water District No. 2 after they merged together. Even in retirement, she remained active, working at Walmart in Stanley, Kansas, and driving a bus for the Louisburg School District. Bowling was one of her great joys, and she competed in many state and national tournaments. She also loved baking cakes, visiting casinos, and attending auctions in search of special collectibles.

Darlene’s family offers heartfelt thanks to Maggie, Lai Lai, Nina, Diana, Brandon, and Polly of VITAS Hospice for the care and support they provided.

Darlene leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory: her sister, Dorothy Curtis; her daughter, Karen (Folsom) Parmely and husband Vic of Stilwell, Kansas; her son, Danny Folsom and wife Renee (Turner) of Independence, Missouri; and her daughter-in-law, Leslie Folsom of Stilwell, Kansas. She was a proud grandmother to Katie (Folsom) Huggins and husband Danny of Boonville, Missouri; Misty (Parmely) Gettino and husband Josh of Paola, Kansas; Justin Parmely and wife Misty of Gower, Missouri; Steven Parmely of Stilwell, Kansas; Chuck Folsom of Stilwell, Kansas; Alyssa Moore and husband Kyle of Belton, Missouri; Briana Quye of Independence, Missouri; and Gabriel Turner of Independence, Missouri. Her legacy also lives on through her 14 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Charles L. Folsom Sr. and John Reed; her children, Charles Jr., Larry, Tim, and Kenny; eight siblings, including her brothers Leo Mitchell and John Mitchell; and her grandson, Russell Folsom. Their memories remained an enduring part of her life and story.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, Friday, October 9, 2026, at Dengel & Son Mortuary – Louisburg Chapel, 1 Aquatic Drive, Louisburg, KS 66053. Funeral service will follow at 11:30 am. Burial will take place at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Overland Park, KS, following the service. The family would like to extended an invitation to a funeral luncheon, following the burial at the Stilwell First Baptist Church 19950 Broadmoor Ln, Stilwell, KS 66085.

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