Darlene L. Hepperly

Darlene L. Hepperly, 98, died on January 21, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family. She will be missed, but we’re sure she is happy to be reunited with her husband and one true love, Rich.
Darlene, the youngest of six children, was born November 21, 1925, in Charter Oak, Iowa, to Minnie and Carl Bahle. She graduated from Fremont High School, Fremont, Nebraska, in 1943, and from Clarkson College, Omaha, Nebraska, as a registered nurse in 1946. She worked as a surgical nurse in Fremont, Omaha, and Lincoln, Nebraska. She married Richard D. Hepperly on April 6, 1947, and they moved to Concordia, Kansas, in 1962. Darlene was an active member of the Concordia Lutheran Church where she was involved with the church council, Preschool by Parents, and taught Sunday school. She served on numerous boards including United Way, Concordia Public Library, the Concordia Country Club and the Concordia Planning Commission. She was an avid bridge player and greatly enjoyed golf, tennis, gardening, and reading. She was passionate about watching the Kansas City Chiefs, the Royals, and especially Nebraska football. Above all, Darlene was a caring and compassionate person.
Darlene is survived by her three children: two daughters, Melanie Hepperly of Fairway, Kansas; Mary Hepperly (husband Mike Hower) of St. Louis, Missouri; and one son, Mike Hepperly (wife Terri Gindlesperger) of Eastborough, Kansas; and four grandchildren: John Hower of Dallas, Texas; Sarah Hower of St. Louis, Missouri; Leah Hepperly of Denver, Colorado; and Kyle Hepperly of Eastborough, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Hepperly in 2007, her parents and her five siblings.
The funeral service will be private with the interment at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas. The date and time for a Celebration of Life will be published in the Concordia Blade-Empire.  
In lieu of flowers, Darlene has requested memorials be designated to Concordia Lutheran Church, Solomon Valley Hospice, in Beloit, Kansas, or O’Connor Animal Shelter, Concordia, Kansas. Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas, is handling arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.