Darleen Helen Blevins

Darleen Helen Blevins, 86, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2025 at Topeka Presbyterian Manor. She was born April 12, 1939 in Muskegon, Michigan, the daughter of Gerhman and Viola (Como) Rakosky.

Darleen graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central High School in 1957. She attended Aquinas College and earned a Registered Nursing Degree in 1959 from Mercy Central School of Nursing. From there, Darleen pursued her passion in helping and healing others in various roles within the ER, Pediatrics, Home Health, and became the Director of Pediatrics and Orthopedics at Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, AR. Darleen later ended her nursing career in Topeka, KS after she moved from Detroit, Michigan, where she was employed as the ADON of McCrite Retirement Center and retired as the Director of the Women's Infant and Children's Department at the Shawnee County Health Department in 2004.

Darleen was an avid football fan and could often be found rooting for Notre Dame and the University of Michigan (Go Blue). She was a member of the ELKS club and enjoyed traveling, antiquing and bowling. Darleen could always be seen lending a hand, hug or heart to those who needed it. God, Family and kindness were Darleen’s biggest attributes and gifts in life. Darleen was a member of St Matthew Catholic Church.

Survivors include her 2 daughters: Kelly Rae Lee of Topeka, Krista (Blevins) Kruggel of Topeka; seven grandchildren; Krista (Josh) Gentry of Lawrence, Karla (Lee) Meyer of Silver Lake, Samantha (Becky) of Dallas, Texas, Thompson Kruggel of Topeka, Jesse Meadors of Silver Lake, Kamden Kruggel of Topeka, Elsa Kruggel of Topeka; one great-granddaughter, Genevive “GG” Gentry of Lawrence, and the highly anticipated arrival of her only great-grandson, Chase Lee; brother, Deacon Jerry (Carol Anne) Rakosky of Edmond, Oklahoma, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, all of whom she loved.

Darleen was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister, Bobbie Sue Rakosky and her former husbands, Robert Pellegrom and Rodger Blevins.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday May 20, 2025 at St. Matthew Catholic Church where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will immediately follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St., Topeka, Kansas 66604 or to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606.

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.

To leave the family a special message, please utilize the guestbook entries area shown below.