Darlene D. Lacer-Hiatt

Dora Darlene Bentz Lacer Hiatt

Dora Darlene Bentz was born January 4, 1927 to Donald and Jennie (Warner) Bentz in Milford, Kan. Darlene passed away Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 at the age of 97 at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.

Darlene grew up in rural Milford, and attended High Point Country School near Milford, graduating from Milford High School in 1944. She attended Kansas State University under the emergency certificate during WWII, and then taught at the Wetzel Country School in eastern Geary County, at Acme School east of Milford, and at High Point west of Milford.

Darlene married Leslie L. Lacer in Milford on Jan. 7, 1948. They made their home in Junction City, and together raised three sons. He preceded her in death on May 11, 1989.

Darlene was a homemaker, and a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Caring about and praying for her family was always a priority. She loved to host holiday celebrations at her home, and enjoyed gathering the family together.

She was a longtime member of the First Christian Church of Junction City, and served as Sunday School superintendent for the nursery through kindergarten department for many years. She was also a devoted member of the Tuesday morning ladies prayer group. She loved singing in the church choir for many years, and sang at many weddings and funerals. She was a lunchroom attendant for many years at Franklin School in Junction City, and was a member of the Railroaders. She volunteered for several years at the Geary County Historical Museum.

Darlene married Robert “Bob” Hiatt on Jan.10, 1995. Together they enjoyed travel and camping trips with the Coachman Camping Club. Together with Bob, she also delivered Meals on Wheels for many years, and took part in activities at the Geary County Senior Center. She was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, of the home in Junction City; three sons, David Michael Lacer, Wakefield, Steven Douglas Lacer and his wife Carol, Chapman, and Donald Edward Lacer and his wife, Lori, Junction City; eight grandchildren: Rachel Keck, Sarah Lacer, Jacob (Susan) Lacer, Joel (Melissa) Lacer, Brandon (Melanie) Deitrick, Jason Lacer, Joshua (Lesli) Lacer and Tina Lacer; 18 great grandchildren; a sister and brother in law, Charlotte and Larry Denver of Manhattan; many nieces and nephews; and Bob's children and grandchildren, who loved her as their own.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, L.L. Lacer, her parents, Don and Jennie Bentz, two sisters, Mary Whittet and Dorothy Don Roether, and a stepson, Wayne Lacer and his daughter Brenna Lacer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 at the First Christian Church with Pastor Ronnie Roberts officiating. A private burial with family will be held at a later time. Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church of Junction City and to the Good Shepherd Hospice in Manhattan.