Darlene Reed, 84, of Bennington, Kansas, passed away on July 18 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.  She was born on a farm in Vesper, Kansas, in 1940, to her parents Harry and Bessie Jensen.   There were two brothers, Orval and Floyd and her sister, Irma.  She is survived by her husband, Melvin Reed, whom she married in 1959, and her daughters, Sharon Reed of Highland Beach, Florida and Kathy Reed of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Darlene was an avid reader who instilled the love of reading, education and curiosity in both her daughters.   She was a vocal participant at her daughter's sporting events as well as a Sunday School Teacher and a Girl Scout Leader.

Together with her husband, Melvin, Darlene managed their farm in Bennington, raising cattle and wheat.   They both had a soft spot for their "pet cows", treating each as if they were a valuable family member, which they were.  She will be remembered for her amazing cinnamon rolls, which her daughters still can't manage to replicate to this day.

Darlene had a strong faith in God and was an active participant in her Church Group in Bennington.  May she continue her explorations in faith and family wherever this next journey takes her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Bennington Cemetery, Friday, July 26, at 11 am with a luncheon at the United Church of Bennington, after to share stories and laughs.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the United Church of Bennington, in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle, Minneapolis, Kansas 67467.