Darlene L. Richardson, 79, of Hutchinson, died January 11, 2021, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born June 21, 1941, in San Diego, California, to Manuel and Louise (Azevedo) Vierra.

Darlene was a graduate of Chula Vista High School and James Hall College of Beauty, San Diego. She moved to the Midwest in 1962, and has been a resident of Hutchinson for many decades. Darlene retired from USD 308, where she last served as a paraprofessional for students with learning disabilities. In her retirement, she taught water aerobics at the YMCA. Darlene was a member of Church of the Holy Cross Catholic Church and St. Anne's Circle. Additionally, she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, TOPS, and formerly volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children needing help navigating the court system.

On October 6, 1962, Darlene married Chester "Chet" W. Richardson, in San Diego. He survives the home.

Other survivors include: daughter, Tama (Kevin) Wagner, St. Joseph, MO; son, Don (Merlin) Richardson, Wichita; son, Eric Richardson, Nickerson; sister, Sharon (Glen) White, Chula Vista, CA; brother, Melvin (Tylie) Vierra, Bonita, CA; sister-in-law, LaDonna Pegram; brother-in-law, Bud (Linda) Richardson; five grandchildren, Katherine (Corey) Sanders, Mitchell (Heather) Wagner, Joshua, Sophia, and Isabella Richardson; eight great-grandchildren; seven nieces and nephews who were all very special to her; and a large extended family.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; in-laws, Donald and Wilma Richardson; and niece, Glenda.

Parish Rosary will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 16, 2021, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 a.m., both at Church of the Holy Cross, with Father Aaron Spexarth officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park. To view service online visit the "Holy Cross Catholic, Hutchinson" YouTube Channel. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Church of the Holy Cross or the YMCA, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.