Ottawa - Violet Darlene Griffin was born on January 24, 1932, in Pomona, Kansas, the daughter of Ronald and Minnie (Houston) Barber. She went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 15, 2025, at the age of 93 years and 22 days.

On December 17, 1949, Darlene was united in marriage to Darrell Lee Griffin in Williamsburg, Kansas. They were married for 60 years before he preceded her in death on September 13, 2010.

Darlene attended school in Pomona, Kansas and graduated from Pomona High School with the class of 1950. She worked at the Farmer's Union grocery store in Pomona for many years until she moved to Ottawa, Kansas in the early 1960's. Darlene worked as a waitress at the Kramer's Drug Store soda fountain and at the restaurant in the North American Hotel in Ottawa before leaving employment when she became a mother. Later in life she ran her own home daycare and loved all the children she took care of, forming life-long relationships with Kelli Rowe and Tara Huggard and their families. She was a member of North Baptist church in Ottawa for over 60 years and served as Sunday School Secretary, Cradle Roll Superintendent, Deaconess, and she was a vital member of the telephone prayer chain, calling prayer requests out to other members of the church. In addition, she was an active member of the American Baptist Women group at NBC, a member of the Oasis Club and the Christian Women's club.

In her younger years, Darlene liked to embroidery and play her guitar and sing, she also collected recipes and was an excellent cook. Darlene loved to be outside and working in the yard and in her flower beds. She especially enjoyed visiting with family and friends, in person or on the phone. "Sweet" and "kind" were words often used by others to describe her, she was always smiling and genuinely saw the best in people. She was an encourager to all, sending many cards and letters over the years. She loved watching K.U. Jayhawk basketball games and was a Kansas City Chiefs fan.

In addition to her husband Darrell, Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and her brothers, Leonard Barber, Sr. and Lloyd Barber.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Teresa Griffin, Ottawa, KS; her sister-in-law, Clara Griffin, Pomona, KS; her nieces and nephews, Rose (Troy) Lockhart, Overbrook. KS, Denise (John) Geist, Garden City, KS, Larry (Renee) Barber, Richmond, KS, Tommy Barber, Ottawa, KS, Linda Altom, Pomona, KS, Rick (Terri) Griffin, Reeds Springs, MO, Gary (Cindy) Griffin, Ottawa, KS, Patty (Stan) Garrett, Burlington, KS, Barbara (John) Powell, Osage City, KS, Carolyn (David) Shotwell, Lebanon, MO, Gloria (Al) Farris, Solomon, KS, and Larry Griffin, Pomona, KS; plus many great nieces and nephews; cousins and friends.

Funeral services for Darlene will be at 11:00am on Friday, February 28, at the Ottawa North Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 10:00am until service time at the church. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery at Pomona, Kansas. Memorial contributions in memory of Darlene may be made to the North Baptist Church, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Avenue, Lyndon, KS 66451.