November 7, 1950 – April 19, 2025
Darlene Richison went to be with her Heavenly Father on
April 19, 2025. She passed from this earth on a Saturday
morning at her home in Fort Scott, Kansas with her adoring
husband by her side. She was born on November 7, 1950, in
Garnett, Kansas to parents Harold W. Sutton and Sylvia
(Olson) Sutton. Darlene was one of the sweetest people you
would ever meet. She was loving, caring, and very dear to
everyone who knew her.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Darlene’s life will be held
on Sunday, May 4th, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Gunn Park –
Shelter House #2, located at 1010 Park Avenue, Fort Scott, KS
All family and friends are invited to attend.
Darlene graduated from Greeley High School, and soon after
she began working at Hallmark Greeting Cards in Lawrence,
KS as a machine operator. Darlene would later begin her career
at COF Training Services in Ottawa, Kansas as a Supported
Living Manager where she worked with developmentally
disabled individuals, teaching them essential life skills and
assisting them to live independently in the community.
In addition, Darlene was also supervisor of the case managers at
COF. Her sweet and caring spirit, along with her competence
and excellent work ethic, made her a perfect fit for the job.
Darlene was loved by her clients and coworkers. For a short
time, she served as mayor of the town of Princeton, KS, where
she had bought a home and was residing at the time. Darlene
touched many lives. Many of her clients and staff have
remained in contact with her, even after years of retirement.
They appreciate the wonderful job Darlene did, and the grace,
warmth, and dedication with which she carried herself.
Darlene loved music. For years she traveled with her
husband, Jason, faithfully to every one of his music gigs,
concerts, band rehearsals, and road trips. She was the ultimate
companion. Their adventures together were filled with joy
while traveling around the countryside, shopping at western
stores, dining at their favorite spots, and simply enjoying each
other’s company. Their bond was an inspiration to all who
knew them.
Darlene was raised in a loving Christian home and knew
Jesus Christ as her Lord and personal Savior. She loved God.
Darlene lived out her faith daily through her actions and love
for others. Her family finds comfort in the promise of reunion
through Christ’s salvation.
Darlene is survived by her devoted husband, Jason Richison;
sister, Sharon Seelnacht; brother, Darryl Sutton; sister-in-law,
Georgia Sutton; nieces, Destiney Kirkland, Faith Davis, and
Lynn Kline; nephews, Kevin Riley, Paul Sutton, Larry
Seelnacht, Shane Seelnacht, and Derek Seelnacht; and cousins,
Mary Martin, Janey Diedel, Kathy Holly, Lolita Worley,
Evelyn Sutton, Joy Warner, Edward Warner, and Frank Warner.
She is preceded in death by her parents Harold W. Sutton and
Sylvia (Olson) Sutton; sister, Donna (Sutton) Osler; and
brother, Glen Sutton.
Darlene was the embodiment of a true heart and sweet spirit.
She will be dearly missed by all who had the blessing of
knowing her. We will carry her memory in our hearts always. I
have no doubt that we will be reunited with Darlene again
thanks to the great price Jesus paid for our salvation and
Darlene’s acceptance of that salvation. We remind ourselves of
this truth to bring comfort and hope going forward until we see
her again.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things
are passed away.” – Revelations 21:4
Following the service, friends and loved ones are invited to
join the family for food and fellowship at Chicken Mary’s,
located at 1133 East 600th Avenue in Pittsburg, Kansas.
(Guests are kindly asked to purchase their own meals.)
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, MO