Darlene Faye Ortiz

Darlene Faye (Cole) Ortiz, age 77, of Carbondale, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at Stormont Vail Health, surrounded by her family.

She was born on April 20, 1948, in Emporia, Kansas, to John Joseph Cole and Bertha Margaret Nellie Piper Cole. Darlene was raised with strong values rooted in faith, family, and hard work, which guided her throughout her life.

On February 7, 1970, Darlene married the love of her life, Benito “Ben” Ortiz, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Topeka. Together, they shared more than 55 years of marriage.

Darlene was a devoted Catholic and a longtime member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, where she served faithfully in the Altar Society and taught Religious Education. Her faith was central to who she was and how she lived, shaping her kindness, generosity, and love for others.

She dedicated more than 40 years of her professional life to the United States Postal Service, where she worked as a print line production operator before retiring.

Outside of work, Darlene enjoyed farming, camping, reading, playing cards, and working crossword puzzles. She especially cherished time spent with her family. She also enjoyed sewing and cooking, generously sharing her talents through the meals she lovingly prepared for those she cared for most.

Darlene was a proud graduate of Council Grove High School, Class of 1966. She was also a past member of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse.

She is survived by her husband, Benito “Ben” Ortiz; her children, Leslie Christine Baker (Kevin Selk), Monica Danielle Kleinschmidt (Chris), Susana Maria Ortiz, and Catherine Ann Welcher (Joe); her grandchildren, Joshua Baker (Johna), Jesse Baker (Mckynley), Justin Baker (Sharea), Michaela Ortiz, Nevaeh Kleinschmidt, Gabriel Prochaska, Marcus Prochaska, Nathan Prochaska, Zoe Cooper, Joseph Welcher, and Tessa Welcher; and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son-in-law, Michael Baker; and her siblings, Keith Cole, Rosalie Lunsford, Everett Cole, Georgia Litke, Mary Gilbert, and Beverly Branson.

Darlene will lie in state from 5:00–7:00 p.m., with a rosary being prayed at 6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Darlene’s memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Contributions may be mailed or left with the funeral home.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.

Darlene will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.