Darlene Ann Bard

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Darlene Ann Bard, 85, who died peacefully on October 13,2026. Darlene was born April 18, 1941, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Arley and Dorthea Flory. She attended the Willow Springs one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1959. She went on to earn her nursing degree from Stormont Vail Nursing School in 1962.

Darlene devoted more than 37 years to nursing, a profession that perfectly reflected her compassionate and caring spirit. She began her career at the Kansas State University Health Center, then served at North Kansas City Memorial Hospital, followed by eight years at Ottawa University Health Center. She continued her work at Ransom Memorial Hospital in Ottawa before spending more than 20 years at Olathe Medical Center in Day Surgery, where she made a lasting impact on both patients and colleagues.

Faith was the foundation of Darlene's life. Her trust in God guided her through every season, shaped the gentle way she cared for her patients and family, and gave her strength and peace through her battle with cancer. She shared her faith most clearly by serving others.

Her daughters were always her top priority, and she was deeply involved in their lives through 4-H projects, sports and PTA activities. Darlene dedicated countless hours to volunteering at church and led many cancer support groups. She took great joy in attending her grandchildren's activities and sporting events and was a constant source of encouragement and love.

For the past seven years, Darlene resided at Tallgrass Creek Senior Living in Overland Park, Kansas, where she remained active and engaged through exercise classes, small groups and many social activities. The family wishes to thank all of her special Tallgrass Creek friends for their friendship, love and support.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, John Bard. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Cindy (Jim) Johnson of Plano, Texas, and Connie (Gary) White of Lee's Summit, Missouri; her brother, Dennis Flory; her grandchildren, Bailey (Zach) Arko, Trent Johnson, Brett (Bryn) White, and Kylee (Chris) Chaszar; and her adored great-grandchildren, Collins Arko (5), Palmer Arko (3), and Bowen Chaszar (7 months), who were the light of her life.

A service celebrating Darlene's life will be held at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection - Wesley Chapel, 5001 W. 137th St., Leawood, KS (Southwest side of campus) on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 12:30 pm.  Darlene was a breast cancer survivor, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to: Susan G. Komen

Light lunch and reception to follow.