Frances 'Darlene' Disrud passed away on Saturday, October 13th, 2012 due to complications from a brain tumor. She has been met in the afterlife by her daddy, William Bellah and her beloved companion golden retriever Lily. She is survived by and lives on in her mother Edith Bellah, her sister Katherine Wood, her husband Roger (Colonel USAF, Ret), three children Eric, Chad, and Ginger, and grandson Austin, aka 'Grammy's Sweetheart'.
Darlene was born in Lubbock, Texas, to William and Edith Bellah. She grew up in south Texas, and after high school went to Texas Tech University where she met her husband on a blind date. She was movie star beautiful, but with the warmth and kindness of a saint – good thing dad snatched her up when he did! The two went on to marry and have three amazing children who brought her much joy and only a few gray hairs. Darlene was a beloved junior high school teacher, who taught not only in the classroom but at home as well. She was famous for her cooking, her gentle nature, her hospitality, and her home-grown wisdom that she used to build our character. One of our favorite lessons from her was, "You can get glad in the same pants you get mad in". Mom loved each one of us for our quirks – from Dad hanging his prize elk head over the fireplace where the fancy flower picture was supposed to be, to Eric playing loud music and bringing 'shady' characters over to eat out of the pantry, to Chad bringing home all sorts of critters he found at the pond, and Ginger worrying that her grades would be less than perfect. She never turned us away when we had crazy ideas, but instead shook her head and lovingly said with a smile, "You rascals". She was the perfect example of the kind of mother, wife, daughter, grandmother, and friend that you would want to have, selfless in every way. She made a difference in all of the lives she touched, and while Heaven's angels are probably rejoicing at her presence with them, those she leaves behind will miss her fiercely. Mom – we will see you again soon…..have the cupcakes ready. Until then, we will keep on living in the way you taught us through your example – with courage, laughter, and joy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Kansas City Hospice House or Wayside Waifs.