With great sorrow, the Boots and Lewis families announce the unexpected passing of our loving and caring mother and grandmother, Margaret (Darlene) Knox. Her soul peacefully ascended into heaven on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Darlene was born February of 1944 to Harry and Christobelle (Henning) Huck in Wichita, Kansas, and moved with her parents soon thereafter to Zook and Larned, Kansas. She was a previous member of the Larned United Methodist Church. Darlene graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1969 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music with a concentration in piano performance. Darlene resided ‘on the hill’ in Larned for the majority of her life until recently relocating to be closer to family in Hesston and then on to Hutchinson.
Darlene’s youthful years were full of energy and passion for her love of dance and playing the piano. She often danced as a child and into her young adult years performing in recitals and specials events, she choreographed performances for the Sweet Adelines of Wichita, and even had the opportunity to perform on television in 1959. Her love of the arts was further fulfilled by providing private piano and group dance lessons to young children for many years in Larned. Darlene went on to study nursing while working full time and obtained her RN degree from Barton County Community College in Great Bend in 1978. She worked as a nurse for Dr. Durwin K. Smith Chiropractic and then at Larned State Hospital as a charge nurse for 16 years until retiring in 2002 to spend more time with her grandchildren.
Darlene’s family meant the world to her. She never hesitated to tell anyone who would listen just how proud she was of the accomplishments of both her daughters, their husbands, and her grandchildren. Darlene was a generous mom and mamaw who took joy in hearing about family updates and reliving memories until her physical body tired and succumbed too early.
Darlene was the only daughter born to Harry and Christobelle Huck who both preceded her in death. Darlene is survived by her daughter, Denise Boots and son-in-law Henry Boots Jr.; daughter, Dana Knox Lewis and son-in-law Pat Lews; grandchildren Ashleigh Boots, Austin Boots, Peyton Lewis and Gunnar Lewis.
Darlene will be honored at a small family service this summer.
Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association, in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.