Darlene B. Shenk

Darlene B. Shenk, 69, of Meadville passed away at Meadville Medical Center on Friday, November 26, 2010.
Darlene was born in Cleveland, OH on February 25, 1941, a daughter of the late Kurt A. and Julie (Kolibas) Stabenau.
On May 29, 1965 Darlene married Ralph K. Shenk; he survives.
She was an active member St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church, Meadville, where she served as a member and former chairperson of Pastoral Council, chairperson of both the Bereavement Committee and Hats of Hope Support Group. After a 20 year absence of Vacation Bible School, Darlene was instrumental in its return. She was involved with the Corner Stone, the 125th Anniversary Celebration of St. Brigid Church and the Beautification of St. Brigid Cemetery.
Darlene was part owner of RKS Equipment, Inc., Erie. She previously had been employed as an associate broker for ERA where she worked with the late Fran Richmond, who was a strong mentor for her. During this time, Darlene was also employed as the Secretary for the West Mead Twp. Water Authority. Prior to that, she had been employed by what is now known as the Crawford Area Transportation Authority (CATA). In 1960 Darlene graduated from James Ford Rhodes High School, Clevelend, OH. She moved to the Meadville area in 1973 and became activly involved in Northwestern PA activities. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, the first female member of the Meadville Kiwanis Club and of its Board of Directors. Darlene served as President of Crawford County Crime Stoppers and over the years worked hard becoming a master gardener.
In addition to her husband Ralph of 45 years, Darlene is survived by three children Kimberly Farley and her husband John of Ambler, Kurt Shenk and his wife Leslie of Meadville, Shelly Ives and her husband Dawson of Saegertown, six grandchildren Leslie Scott, Derrek Hunter, Ally Shenk, Emma Shenk, Devlin Ives, Trinity Ives, three great grandchildren Jacob Scott, Jackson Scott, Brayleigh Hunter, a sister Carol Mendat and her husband Gerald of Brunswick, OH, her mother-in-law Ruth Shenk of Sebring, OH, a niece and two nephews.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents.
Private visitation and services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335
Interment will take place in St. Brigid Cemetery, West Mead Twp.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Humane Society of Crawford County, 11012 Kennedy Hill Road, Meadville, PA 16335