Darlene Frances (Florian) Kraich, 87 passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at the Washington County Nursing Home with her family by her side.

Darlene was born at the family farm South of Akron on March 24, 1935 to Henry and Frances (Powers) Florian. She was the 3 ^rd of 7 children. Lawrence (Larry), Robert (Bob), Paul (Bud), Edna, Kay and Delbert (Dutch). She received her early education at the Bellevue and Prairie View Schools south of Akron. She attended Akron high school and graduated with the class of 1953.

She married her sweetheart Chris (De) Kraich Jr. on March 21, 1954 and made their home in Akron. To this union four children were born, Rocky De, Richard Jay, Cynthia Kay and Cathleen Bea.

Darlene held many bookkeeping positions over the years, working for the Akron Federal Credit Union, Alfred Ward and Sons and keeping books for the family auto repair business. She later started as a teller for Citizen's National bank in Akron where she worked until retirement. Later, deciding retirement wasn't for her, she took a part time job at First National Bank of Akron, until technology became her enemy.

Darlene had many passions in her life. She was a memorabilia and Barbie Doll collector. She enjoyed bowling and attended many State and National Bowling tournaments. In her words, "it wasn't because I was good at it, I just loved to travel". She was an avid Broncos and Rockies fan and would watch them win or lose. Darlene was known to give her brother Larry a call after each Rockies game to give him a "whoot whoot" or "boo hoo" depending on if they won or lost. De and Dalene always enjoyed traveling, especially when there was a casino nearby. In later years she took up playing bingo and would spend Sunday night at the Elks, Wednesday night at the American Legion and traveling to Fort Morgan and Sterling, just to find a good game. She also enjoyed her weekly Thursday lunches at Meet and Eat, where you could find her taking the money at the door or playing "more" bingo.

Darlene spent many nights sitting in her chair crocheting, doing cross word puzzles and watching Jeopardy. When her health started to decline and she became home bound, her dog Zeus became her constant companion.

Darlene was an active member of the Saint Joseph Catholic Church and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband De, her parents Henry and Frances Florian, her father and mother-in-law, Chris and Ilah Kraich; her siblings Lawrence Florian, Robert Florian, Paul Florian, Edna Florian, Delbert Florian and in-laws Roland and Joyce Krier, Bob and Phyllis Kraich, Veda Kraich, Ed Kraich, Duane and Dorothy Wagner, and Jean Florian.

Those left to mourn her passing are Rock Kraich (Julie), Rick Kraich, Cathy Guy (Noel) all of Akron and Cyndi Woods (Shawn) of Rapid City, SD. Grandchildren Clint and Travis Kraich of Texas, Kristin Beggar (Jason) of Wyoming, Megan Gebauer (Lee Skage) of Norway, Kelsey Strand (Marty) and Eli Guy of Akron, Dillon Woods of South Dakota.  She was known as GG to her Great-grandchildren Lucille and Amelia Begger, Cecilie Skage, Riven and baby boy Strand due in 2023.

She is also survived by her sister Kay Fuller (Tom); Her in-laws Lois Florian, Nancy Florian of Akron, Brenda Florian of Colorado Springs, Ron Kraich Sr. of Akron, Gordon Kraich (Cheryl) of Kansas, Jan Kraich of Westminster, Delbert Kraich (Ellen) of Colorado Springs, Carolyn Wagner (Delbert) of Lakewood: many cousins, nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

Memorials can be made to the Akron Senior Meals.

A Rosary will be held Saturday December 3 ^rd at 10:15 a.m. with Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00.

Private family inurnment will be held at a later date.