Darlene Louise (Sielsky) Rome, 86, of St. Peter, Kansas, passed away on April 29, 2026. She lived a beautiful life surrounded by people who loved her.

She was born on February 9, 1940, in Leadville, Colorado, to David and Evelyn (Sielsky). Darlene graduated from Burlington High School in 1958 and attended Colorado State University for one year.

On May 6, 1961, Darlene was united in marriage to Adolph Rome. They were married for 34 years.

In high school, Darlene worked as a lifeguard, a telephone operator, and helped in her father’s blacksmith shop. Following school, she worked for Martin Marietta in the Denver area and later for Boeing in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where she worked on the Apollo Mission.

In 1971, she moved with her family to the family farm in St. Peter, Kansas. In addition to farming, she worked for Midwest Coop in Morland, Kansas, as a bookkeeper for 18 years.

Darlene was actively involved in her community. She served on the local school board, taught catechism, and was a member of the Bryant Township Board.

Darlene is survived by her children, David Rome (Paula) of Lenexa, Kansas, Nadine Rome of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and Alan Rome (Lisa) of Oakland, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Nicholas, Erin, Conner, Lauren, and Katherine; and two great-grandchildren, Eric and Elizabeth.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn and David Sielsky; her husband, Adolph Rome; her brother, Darrel Sielsky; and her nephew, Daniel.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th Street, WaKeeney, Kansas. A Vigil Service will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Rosary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 412 N 9th St, WaKeeney, KS 67672. Burial will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery, St. Peter, Kansas.

A luncheon will follow the interment at the Parish Hall, 907 Easter Avenue, WaKeeney, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Heart Association, or Christ the King Catholic Church and may be mailed to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.