Ida Darlene "Darlene" - Robben Petrasek

Ida Darlene (Stephens) Petrasek – Robben passed away Sunday, May 25, 2014, at her home, in Hoxie, Kansas, at the age of 82. She was born January 15, 1932 to Levi Leonard and Blanche Christine (Breeden) Stephens in Lenora, Kansas. Darlene attended school in Jennings, Kansas for twelve years. She was united in marriage to Melvin Steven Petrasek, on May 18, 1949, in Norton, Kansas. They were blessed with four daughters, Connie Kay, Pamela Sue, Jacklyn Jean, and Rebecca Christine. Melvin preceded Darlene in death on February 3, 1969. She was later married to Dennis J. Robben on June 8, 1973, in Leoville, Kansas. He preceded her in death on April 12, 1998. Darlene was a hard working woman who did not know a stranger. From Amway to greeting cards she was never afraid to knock on a door, make a friend, and offer her products. Darlene was a true farm wife and loved helping with the work. She loved gardening, growing vegetables and all types of flowers. She was also famous for her great baking skills, especially kolaches, homemade bread, and pecan pies. A great seamstress, Darlene was so creative, she made her own patterns and sewed her children’s clothes, tied quilts, and made pillows and blankets for her family and friends. Darlene enjoyed playing bingo and pinochle at The Red Barn in Rexford, Kansas, playing in the Rexford Kitchen Band, and was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America Club. Above all else, the love of Darlene’s life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There was nothing she would not do for them. They truly were the love and joy of her life. Darlene is survived by her daughters, Connie Kay Baker and husband Gary of Richmond, Missouri, Pamela Sue Bedore and husband Chris of Wamego, Kansas, Jacklyn Jean Gabel and husband Arlen of Hays, Kansas, and Rebecca Christine Best and husband Todd of Hoxie, Kansas; brother, Harold Wayne Stephens and companion Betty Skulavik of Littleton, Colorado; sisters, Margaret Helen Gartrell of Aurora, Colorado, Rita Mae Rutherford and husband Ken of Lenora, Kansas, and Coleen Rae Brooks of Altus, Oklahoma; grandchildren and families, Randall Baker and wife Megan, and children Johnathan, and Kresslee of Belton, Missouri; Garrett Baker and Kara Jackson, and son Britton Baker of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Gabriel Baker and wife Donna and children, Gabriel,Jr. and Taylor of Richmond, Missouri; Kandi Baker and daughter Ember Huffman of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Christina Bedore of Wamego, Kansas; Lindsay Leiker and husband Cole and children, Kali, Danika, Emersyn, Brantlee, and Ryder of Hays, Kansas; Clayton Gabel and Allisa Bohrer of Hays, KS; Cody Best of Silvis, Illinois; and Heath Best of Hoxie, Kansas. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Blanche Stephens; husbands, Melvin Petrasek and Dennis Robben; brother, Robert DeWayne Stephens; and great-grandchildren, Babe Leiker and Corina Gabel.