Darlene Lucille Kirby

Darlene Lucille (Dizmang) Kirby, 86, of Goodland, went to heaven to join her loving Savior and other loved ones on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland, KS.

She was born with twin brother Dareld on May 6th, 1939, in Goodland, Kansas, daughter of Henry C. (Hank) and Gladys P. (Akers) Dizmang. She attended grade school in Goodland and high school at Sherman Community High School, where she played clarinet in the marching band, was a twirler, and was in SALS. She also was a member of Job’s Daughters.

On Nov. 21st, 1956 she married Allen V. Kirby, and they had three children. Early in their marriage they moved to the family farm north of Kanorado, where Darlene helped care for father-in-law, Monte Verle Kirby. On the farm she had many roles, including bookkeeping, caregiver, homemaker, equipment driver when needed, and after a shaky start, became an incredible cook. Early on her father in law Verle referred to her homemade biscuits as “sinkers”. She always had a hot meal three times a day and everyone was welcome at the table including neighbors, family members and friends of her children. Many joyous memories were made around her table. She enjoyed playing cards and was given the nickname “Diamond Darlene”. She also enjoyed fishing, particularly at Bonny Dam.

She had an incredible work ethic saying, “I have to do something for the Lord today”. It continued her whole life as she was still managing the family farm up to her passing.

Darlene, along with her family tended a large garden. She learned the art of canning and preserving food from the seasoned neighbors. She was a member of the Grant Township EHU. She sewed clothes for her children and taught her daughters to sew. She loved to embroider and making quilts.

She later joined the VFW Post 1133 Women’s Auxiliary, where she enjoyed creating displays for patriotic events. She also loved giving patriotic quilts made by her and her daughter to the veterans. She would save up her “K” dollar bills to put towards fabric.

Allen preceded her in death in 1992. A few years later she met Lawrence Ham, from Benkelman, NE and until his passing in 2009, they enjoyed many years of travel and companionship. Later she became companions with Gary Bennett of Goodland, and they enjoyed time together daily until her passing.

Also preceding her in death were her parents, sisters Mildred Laughlin, Irene Johnson, Vera Lynn, Hazel Morton, Kate Musil and brothers Sam Dizmang, Carl Dizmang, Lyle Dizmang, Raymond (Dick) Dizmang, Dwane Dizmang. Brother-in Laws Jack Laughlin, Harold Johnson, Joe Lynn, Lowell Dean Morton and Ron Musil; Sister-in-laws Lois Dizmang, Nancy Dizmang; nephews Clint Dizmang, Dale Lynn, Ronnie Musil, John Musil.

Survivors include her children: Carol (Stephen) Mckee, Springfield, MO: Cally Krallman (partner Rick Aeschliman),Topeka, KS; Norman (Pat) Kirby, Goodland, KS; 3 grandsons, Shawn (Linden) Kirby, Topeka, KS, Mitch Kirby, Winona, KS, and Zachary McKee, Springfield, MO.; two great-granddaughters Lillian and Nora Kirby, Topeka, KS. : her companion Gary Bennett, Goodland, KS; her twin brother Dareld (Carolyn) Dizmang, and numerous extended family members.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the Goodland FFA and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.