Darleen J. Flentie, age 81, of Topeka, formerly of Centralia, Kansas passed away Sunday morning, August 23, 2020 at Aldersgate Village in Topeka.  Darleen was born June 9, 1939 in Vermillion, Kansas the daughter of Paul and Kelma (Cullimore) Watts.  She married Elton Flentie March 15, 1955 in Topeka.  He preceded her in death March 4, 2005. Elton and Darleen made their home north of Centralia on the family farm, Alfalfa Plains.  Darleen owned and operated Flentie’s Retail Liquor, worked at CR Industries, served as Seneca Golf Course clubhouse manager and worked at the Hayes-Popkess Mortuary in Centralia.  She was a member of the East Centralia Community Church (formerly the Centralia Congregational Church), where she served as a deaconess and taught Sunday School and was on the church board of directors.  She volunteered with Meals on Wheels and served as a Farm Bureau Women’s Leader and was on the State Women’s Committee.  She also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years. 

Darleen is survived by a son, Keith W. (Carol) Flentie of Topeka; a daughter, Debra (Ray) Downing of Topeka; a sister Kelma “Tomi” O’Connor of Manhattan, KS; four grandchildren, Dustin (Hannah) Flentie, Shayla (Darren) Rottinhaus, Mark (Julia) Downing and Kristina (Nick) Landkamer and seven great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by a sister, Elda Joy Watts. 

Funeral services will be Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the East Centralia Community Church.  Darleen will lie in state Friday from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Popkess Mortuary in Seneca with visitation Friday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Interment will be at the Centralia Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the East Centralia Community Church and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 N. Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS 66608.  davidsonfuneral.com