Darlane Deck

Darlane A. Deck, born January 13, 1947, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was called to her eternal rest on February 14, 2024. Darlane was a lifelong member of the Fort Wayne community and a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she served as a Church Curator from 1998 until her retirement in 2022. Her dedication to her faith was reflected in her work, as she diligently ensured the preservation and veneration of the sacred relics and artifacts of the Church. As Psalm 62:5 says, "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him." Darlane's service to her community went beyond the walls of the Church. She volunteered at the Franke Park Day Camp from 1986 to 1992 and was a member of the American Legion Post 296 Ladies Auxiliary. For eight years, she also served the Fort Wayne Community Schools as a bus driver, a job she performed with the same level of love and commitment she showed in every aspect of her life. In her spare time, Darlane channeled her creativity into running Dar's Creations, where she crafted beautiful pieces of jewelry and other beautiful creations. Darlane is survived by her beloved daughters, Mary (Brian Whiteaker) Patton, and Cindy Radcliffe; her cherished grandchildren, Mitchel Patton, Amelia Patton, Kristina Stuckey, Leah (Tyler) Replogle, and Daniel Ranke; a couple of great-grandchildren; her sister, Lillie May Phillips; nieces and nephews, Dawn, Margie, William, Albert, and Jerry; numerous great nieces and nephews; dear friends, Rita and Jerry; along with other countless others that supported Darlane throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Garard, and Mary Boyers; step-father, Joe Boyers; and spouses, Warren Fluttrow, Bill Meints, and Robert Deck. A public visitation will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1101 Lafayette Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46802, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by a Memorial Mass promptly following visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her memory can be made to her grandchildren, Mitchel J. Patton and Amelia F. Patton, for education. The family invites all who knew and loved Darlane to visit her memorial page, where you are encouraged to share your fondest memories and upload photos of her. As we remember Darlane, let us keep in mind the words of Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." May we find solace in the memories of Darlane's life, her loving spirit, and the knowledge that she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord.