Darlene Dalton

Darlene Rose (Dolly) Dalton, age 86, passed peacefully on May 16, 2017 surrounded by loved ones who mourn her loss but celebrate her life and love. Darlene was the cornerstone of her family - beloved wife of Dusty, her true love; caring mother to four daughters; and adoring Grandma/Grammie/ Meegee to six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She loved playing games with her grandchildren, but they had to watch carefully to make sure she didn't cheat. Born August 23, 1930 she was the youngest child of Arthur James and Sylvia (McLaughlin) Savage. A namesake of the Darlin' Rose theater where her musician father played piano to silent movies, Darlene welcomed any occasion to gather with family and friends, especially Christmas which she loved. Her open spirit and quick laugh drew people to her at home and at work. From her bartending days at The Jet, Hogerty's and Romanelii's to her 27 years of service at The Forum retirement center, Darlene never met a stranger. Formerly the head receptionist at the Forum, she worked there part-time until February 2017 because she loved the residents and her co- workers. Darlene made friends wherever she went and under any circumstances. She was a favorite of her daughters and grandchildren's friends, Menorah Hospital nurses, in physical therapy at Advanced Health Care and "the gang" at pulmonary rehab. Darlene enjoyed visits from so many friends while at Kansas City Hospice House!! Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, one brother, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She had great memories of family poker games, and trips to the horse track and casino (do you sense her love of gambling??) There were also great trips with her daughters and grandchildren. She lost her beloved husband Dusty ten years ago and oldest daughter Sharon (Dalton) Vernassie two years ago, and still mourned both. Darlene's love of life will continue in those she leaves behind: Marsha McBrat ney (Ken), Susan Dalton and Shannon Dalton Bukaty; grandchildren Dan Vernassie, Chris McBratney (Ashley), Kt McBratney (Jason Bejot), Connor McBratney, Nicholas Dalton Bukaty and Emily Rose Bukaty; great-grandchildren Maddie, Max and Maegan McBratney; and numerous nieces and nephews. And of course her trusty sidekick, George, her dog of 10 years. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests bringing/donating a new doll for a child in need. You see, as a child of the Depression, Darlene never had a doll of her own and loved buying dolls for her daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters. Visitation will be from Noon- 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 20, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 PM.