Delores was born on April 24, 1941, in Enid, Oklahoma. She is the daughter of Julius and Martha (Rempel) Penner. Delores attended school in Hillsboro until her senior year when her family moved to Wichita. She graduated from Wichita North High School. She attended both Friends University and Tabor College while studying for a Math Degree. Delores married John Foster Dalke on May 12, 1962, at First Mennonite Brethren Church, Wichita, KS, and together, with their three children; they made a home in Hillsboro, KS.
Delores was very involved in her community. She was Mayor of Hillsboro for 27 years, President of the Hillsboro Chamber, and sat on the Hillsboro City Council. Delores started the Real Estate Center in 1978 and in 1986, she was a founding member of the Hillsboro Community Foundation. Delores was also the 2003 President of the Kansas Association of Realtors.
Delores was a strong member of the Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church, where she acted as the church treasurer. She participated in Bible School and was a Sunday School teacher. Delores loved to stay busy and involved in the community, but she never let that get in the way of her family. Delores could be found spending time with her children and grandchildren, and never missed a sporting event or school activity. She was a great, self-taught cook and always made sure everyone had plenty of food.
Delores’ greatest joy was her loving family which includes her sons: Mark (Pat) Dalke of Hillsboro, Matt (Jamey) Dalke of Chapman; grandchildren: Tyler Dalke, Reagan Dalke; step grandchildren: Ashley Thornhill, Mike Massari; and brother: Ray Penner, Valley Center. She is preceded in death by her husband: John; parents: Julius and Martha, son: John, and sister: Karen Penner.
Delores, at the age of 82, passed away and was reunited with her husband on their 61st wedding anniversary on May 12, 2023, at the Hillsboro Community Hospital. Family will gather to greet friends on Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Hillsboro, KS. Funeral Service for Delores will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church, 1498 Kanza Road, Hillsboro, with Pastor Gaylord Goertzen officiating. Delores will be laid to rest at Ebenfeld Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Delores’ name may be directed to the Hillsboro Community Foundation. Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Hillsboro is serving the family. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Delores at www.yazelmeglifh.com.