Phyllis Darlene (Mathews) Meineke, a resident of Allen, Texas, passed away August 16, 2026 at the age of 98. She was born on December 26, 1927, to her loving parents, Harold Mathews and Dorothy (Jessup) Mathews in Dougherty, Iowa.
Darlene grew up in Iowa and Minnesota and graduated from Austin High School in Austin, Minnesota. She went on to build a long and rewarding career as an administrative assistant in the Human Resources Department at GEHA and Travelers Insurance Company.
Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a member of West Plano Presbyterian Church. Darlene also enjoyed sewing and took pride in the beautiful things she created. She was a member of the Texas Zeta social sorority and valued the friendships and fellowship that came through her involvement in the organization.
Throughout her 98 years, Darlene created a life filled with meaningful relationships, cherished memories, and lasting friendships. She will be remembered for her kind spirit, her dedication to those she cared about, and the many lives she touched along the way. Her memory will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Darlene will be lovingly remembered by her children, Debera Vermie of Allen, Texas, Matthew Meineke (Terri) also of Allen, Texas, and Paul Meineke (Terri) of Overland Park, Kansas; her daughter-in-law, Patricia Meineke Pawlak (wife of the late James Meineke); six grandchildren, Patrick Vermie (Allison), Joshua Meineke (Carla), Luke Meineke, Nick Meineke, Skyler Meineke, and Sawyer Meineke; seven great grandchildren, Ava, Conor, Eli, Lily, Duncan, Keane, and Graham; brothers, Greg Matthews, Bill Mathews and Dave Mathews (Patricia); and a host of extended family members and friends, who will miss her and cherish her memory.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Dorothy Mathews; son, James Meineke; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Meineke; grandson, Stephen Meineke; sister, Beverly Tempte; and brothers, Ron Mathews and Keith Mathews.
Services will be held at West Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Road, Plano Texas, on September 26, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Macular Degeneration Research. Darlene experienced significant vision loss due to Macular Degeneration and supported the research for many years.