Darlene Ann Mattas

Darlene Ann (Hammersmith) Mattas, 81, of Wilson, passed away October 9, 2016 in Salina. Darlene was born July 19, 1935, in Gorham, Kansas, the daughter of Alfonse and Silvernina Hammersmith. She grew up and attended school in Gorham. She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Francis John Befort in Plainville, Kansas. This union was blessed with two daughters: Rosemary Anne and Margaret. Francis passed away in 1961. Darlene was fortunate to find love a second time and was united in marriage to Ernest (Ernie) J. Mattas, Jr. on July 25, 1964 in Gorham. Together they made their home on a farm east of Wilson. From this union they were blessed with a daughter Bernadette. Ernie preceded her in death on February 18, 2007. Darlene worked at Safeway in Russell while living in Gorham. After moving to Wilson, she was an active member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella, and Altar Society. She served as past Regent for the D of I and was President of Altar Society. She also taught catechism for many years. She was a talented cake decorator and set up many wedding receptions. She was involved as project leader for 4H. Later in life, she enjoyed baking kolaches, cinnamon rolls, bierochs, making noodles, and was a Watkin’s Products saleswoman. He artistic and creativity was seen in her sewing projects, Cameo painting and quilt making. She was a devoted farmer’s wife, homemaker, and mother. Surviving family includes her daughters; Rosemary Anne Befort Shiever and husband Andre Zane of Salina; Margaret Befort Heart of Hays, Bernadette Mattas Franks and husband Jeff of Russell; a sister, Virginia Rathbun and husband James of Natoma; a brother Al Hammersmith and wife Mary of Hutchinson; five grandchildren, Kevin Fishburn, Jr. of Wichita, Ernie Hart of Wilson, Michael Heart of Newton, Lauren Franks and Jonathon Franks, both of Russell. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Francis John and Ernest; two infant brothers, Marvin and Martin, and an infant sister, Mary.