Darlene G. Bruns, 88, of Holton, KS, passed away Monday, February 17, 2025 at The Pines in Holton, with family by her side. She was born September 14, 1936 in Horton, KS, the daughter of Lester A. and Freda (North) Christie. Darlene was the fourth of 6 children and much younger than her older sister and brother. She frequently would tell how her brothers stepped in and supported her and her younger sister after their father’s early death.

Darlene worked for over 18 years at Kansas State Bank (presently named GNBank) in Holton. She had also worked for Dr. Searles Dental Office, a bookkeeper for Holton Farm and Home and a Librarian at Beck-Bookman Library.

She was a 66+ year member of the First United Methodist Church and had worked in the church office for 14 years. She taught kindergarten Sunday School, was a member of United Methodist Women and Alpha Circle serving as Treasurer for 14 years all at the church. She was a member of Holton Business Women, serving as President for 2 terms, a member of Pilot Club for 25 years, serving as President and as Secretary under Betty Moore for the District Club.

Darlene and Dick reconnected with childhood friends, Norma and Jerry Scheutz and enjoyed traveling with them and seeing shows in Branson. Anyone that knew Darlene knows of her love for Elvis Presley and how happy she was to have seen him in concert. She was delighted to be able to share her memories and memorabilia with her great-grandson, Brock. Even as she was failing, Darlene kept special treats to share with her little visitors.

Darlene married Richard Dale “Dick” Bruns on March 13, 1954 in Topeka, KS. He preceded her in death on November 8, 2019; after 65 years of marriage. Darlene determinedly cared for Dick at home as long as she could after his health failed. Her pride and joy were her daughters, and sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by Elvis; her parents, Lester and Freda Christie; daughter, Debra Clark; 2 sisters and spouses, Mildred Hill and Phyllis Rae Parker (Jim) and 3 brothers and spouses, Gail, Wayne (Patricia) and Homer (Gloria) Christie.

Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Butler (Tim) of Huntersville, NC; son-in-law, Gene Clark of Holton, KS; 5 grandchildren, Matt Clark, Christi Schumaker (Sam), Scott Butler, Kim Clark and Libby Dove (Dave); 11 great-grandchildren, Madison, Addyson, Comyn and Kara Schumaker, Bennett, Everett, and Silas Butler, Monte and Brock Mitchell and Breckin and Aubrey Dove; 4 nieces and 2 nephews.

The family is grateful to Nikki and Mandy and the staff at The Pines for their care of Darlene and Buddy. Thanks also to Faith Hospice, the Holton Home Health and Hospital Rehab staff who supported Darlene as a caretaker of Dick and later as a client. Thanks also to Virgil Jones, Debbie Schumaker and the numerous members of the church and community for their friendship to Darlene.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Holton. Burial will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.