Karen Rae Darby

Karen R. Darby, 70, of Lexington, Nebraska, died suddenly at her home, Monday, April 20, 2009, in Lexington, Nebraska. She was born October 27, 1938, at Eustis, Nebraska, to Ray A. and Neva B. (Hess) Rupe. Karen’s primary education was in Eustis, Nebraska and then graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1956. She was united in marriage to Philip E. Darby, Jr. on July 22, 1956, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. Six beautiful daughters were blessed to this marriage; Sara Jane, Jennifer Jo, Luanne Rae, Linda Kae, Patricia Ann and Karla Lynn. Following her marriage Karen was employed at Kjar Hay & Grain, the United Methodist Church, the City of Lexington as assistant City Clerk and then Shoe Mart, which she opened with her daughter, Linda in 1988. It was a joy walking in to Shoe Mart and seeing Karen’s smiling face. Karen was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church for 50+ years as well as the Methodist Choir. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Business and Professional Women, Musicale, Studio 25 and Tri-County Hospital Auxiliary. Karen absolutely loved life, she loved her family, especially the grandchildren, traveling with Ed and her friends, music, Nebraska football, reading, volunteering at church, art and working in her yard. She will be eternally beautiful in Heaven’s light. Survivors include her husband: Philip E. “Ed” Darby of Lexington, Nebraska Six daughters: Sara Jane Darby of Omaha, Nebraska, Jennifer Jo and Scott Mitchell of Grand Island, Nebraska, Luanne Rae Gesell of Norfolk, Nebraska, Linda Kae and Rick Petet of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Patricia Ann Reiners of Lincoln, Nebraska, Karla Lynn & Roger Schmidt of Grand Island, Nebraska. One sister: Gloria & Harold Benzel of Dixon, California Eight grandchildren: Liza Jo & Chad Lorenz of Washington, DC, Clair Olivia Schmidt of Grand Island, Nebraska, Philip Payton Schmidt of Kearney, Nebraska, Cameron Lee Petet of Durango, Colorado, Erin Darby Gesell of Omaha, Nebraska, Darby Linn Reiners of Lincoln, Nebraska, Sydney Kae Reiners of Lincoln, Nebraska, Tanner John Gesell of Norfolk, Nebraska One great-granddaughter: Tatum Kay Kime of Grand Island, Nebraska as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Donna Linn. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 24, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Todd Karges officiating. Karen’s body will not be present at the church. Visitation will be Thursday, April 23, 2009, from 4-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Karen’s body will then be cremated. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Methodist Church Columbarium. Memorials are suggested to the Lexington Community Foundation, the First United Methodist Church or the Donor’s Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.