Darlene F. Plymell

On By Vaseline

Darlene F. Plymell, 80, Hays, died Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Via Christi Village.

She was born March 5, 1944 in Great Bend, the daughter of Emery E. and Twila M. (Bisbee) Grossardt. Darlene graduated from Claflin High School in 1962 and then attended Fort Hays State University where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics. On December 19, 1965, she married Jerry McNeill in Hays and they had two daughters, Molly and Sherry. They later divorced. On June 10, 1984, she married Larry Plymell in Hays, and they celebrated nearly 40 years of marriage. A dedicated math teacher, Darlene taught at Lexington High School in Nebraska for two years, Hays High School for 35 years, and at FHSU for four years. In 2002, she was named the $489 Master Teacher of the Year. Her memberships include Hays First United Methodist Church, Milers Sunday School, Hays NEA and FHSU Alumni Association. She enjoyed reading, knitting and crocheting and made numerous prayer shawls for the church. She loved traveling with Larry and was able to visit all 50 states. Darlene loved her family and attended her grandchildren’s many events and activities.

Survivors include her husband Larry of Hays, father-in-law, Harold Plymell of Hays, three daughters, Molly Legleiter and husband Shawn of Hays, Sherry Kinderknecht and husband Norman of Colby, and Courtney Britton of Goodland, a stepsister, Carol Horton of Great Bend , a stepbrother, Jim Riebel and wife Dee of Lubbock, Texas, four grandchildren, Cole Jacobsen, Breckyn Kinderknecht, Bailey Britton and Logan Britton, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Norbert Riebel, her sister, Vonnie Burmeister and husband Fritz, and her stepbrother-in-law, Larry Horton.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Hays First United Methodist Church with Rev. Craig Hauschild officiating. Darlene loved the color red and everyone is invited to wear a touch of red in her honor. Burial will follow in Mount Allen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday and from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM on Friday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Hays First United Methodist Church or HaysMed Hospice. Condolences and memories of Darlene may be left for her family at www.haysmemorial.com