Darlene Osa

Darlene Osa was born December 11, 1934, in Richland, Kansas to Tom and Ollie Bame.  She had one beautiful sister Dorothy Mae, whom she adored from day one to the end.  Darlene spent a big amount of time growing up in this precious town of Richland, visiting and playing in many of the business places.  Her dad, Tom, was the town barber over 50 years and her mom, Ollie ran the Cream Station.  It was nothing to see Darlene and Mary Ann (Kelley) Pease going up and down each side of the street, on their scooters.  She and Mary Ann roller-skated up and down each side of the sidewalk and in the Fred Van Nice’s Hardware Store.  Fred’s Hardware was full of glass showcases displaying beautiful items for sale.  We made our mini office in Fred’s supply room and ran the freight elevator up and down.  Fred never corrected us or told us to quit.  Darlene spent time with Mary Ann in the Filling Station that her mother Bertha ran.  It was a fun place.  They were best friends.  Another best friend was Barbara Jean (Reynolds) Walden and her parents Kent and Florence Reynolds.  Kent was the banker at the Capital City Bank and her mother Florence, also worked in the bank.  Barbara Jean and Darlene went through grade school and high school and remain best friends for their lifetime.  They both had doll collections they spent endless time playing with, even into their eighties.

Darlene worked as a waitress in the Bean Café several summers.  She was thrilled the customers left her a 5-cent tip. When the REA men came to town and ate at the café, they gave her a 10-cent tip.  Seemed like each time they were there, roast beef was on the menu.  They gave Darlene the nickname of “Roast Beet.”  She earned $1.25 a day for working.  Darlene and Jerry Bean were honored one year to be Horse Show King and Queen.  Darlene said she still has her yellow formal her mom made for her to wear to that celebration.

Darlene graduated from the Richland Grade School having the same teacher as her mom and sister did.  Her name was Winifred Williams.  Darlene was a small person, full of energy and ambition, never idle and easy to remember.  One day at recess time she was standing in the doorway between the little room (grades 1-4) and the big room (grades 5-8).  The “big” boys were throwing a football around to each other.  One threw the football crooked, and it knocked Darlene to the floor.  Everyone panicked, but Darlene was picked up and carried to the sand box in the little room.  They thought she was hurt bad, but she was tough then too and survived.  From then on, she had someone walk with her to the outside potty.   Another best friend was Alice Smith through her high school years, before and after. She was close to all her family.  Her folks made sure Alice had transportation to the sports games.  She had many special friends, both grade school, high school and all her life thereafter.

Darlene graduated from Berryton High School where she had been a cheerleader and football queen.  On the night of graduation, which was May 20, 1952, her beloved Rodney M. Osa, gave her an engagement ring.  She and Rod were married in Huntsville, Arkansas on September 6, 1952.  Two months later, Rod received his notice from the U. S. Army telling him to report for duty on November 5, 1952.  She and Rod lived a short time in Richland and then a short time in Topeka before his departure.  Rod was gone for two years, having eight weeks basic training and on to Okinawa for the rest of his service.  Darlene went back and lived this time with her folks, Tom and Ollie Bame, until Rod returned.  They of course were pleased to pieces to have her back with them.  She got her first job June 1952 with the State of Kansas, Assistant Superintendent’s Office, Motor Vehicle Department.  She worked 45 years and retired in 1997.  Rod and Darlene enjoyed living and being active as much and as long as possible.  Dancing was great for them, and they spent countless hours enjoying it.  Woody and Emma Smith were their dance partners many years.

Darlene is survived by her nephew Paul Mohler, twin great nieces Jill and Dana Mohler and their much-loved kitty, Polly, special cousins and special many, many friends.  Rod developed some health problems late in life and passed away February 18, 2016.  They had been married 64 wonderful and fantastic years, lovable for their special friendship, special caring and special love.

Darlene wanted to thank each and everyone she ever knew.  Polly, their kitty, would like to thank everyone too for being so nice to her mom and dad.  Darlene also wanted to thank her special friends she worked with 45 years and remained friends all her life.

Funeral services for Darlene will be Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at the Davidson Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Berryton High School Alumni, P.O. Box 92, Berryton KS 66409.

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