Darlene C. (Fair) Bucher

Darlene C. Bucher, 95, North Manchester, passed away on her late husband’s birthday, June 20, 2022, at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester, Indiana. She was born to Ernest and Alma (Hawbecker) Fair in Sublette, Illinois on November 17, 1926. The oldest sibling of four, Darlene and her family enjoyed many family vacations together and attended numerous sports functions.

When Darlene was four years old, she recited and performed “The Little Red Hen” leading to her participation in many drama productions and plays in grade school, college, and church. After graduating from Franklin Grove High School in 1944, Darlene went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Manchester College and a master’s degree in education from Kent State University. On June 22, 1947, Darlene married Gordon W. Bucher and the two would be blessed with three sons; Barry, Brent and Bradley. Darlene and Gordon would celebrate 68 years of marriage before Gordon’s passing on September 28, 2015.

Darlene’s passion for education and pursuit of learning would span a lifetime. Darlene’s teaching career consisted of two years teaching first grade in Cicero, Illinois, six years teaching fifth grade in Hartville, Ohio, and finally, serving as Principal at Lake Elementary School in Hartville until her retirement in 1991. She was the Chair of the Stark County, Ohio Principal’s Association for one term and received the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Administrative Leadership Award in 1981. On June 14, 1991, the mayor of Hartville, Ohio proclaimed the day officially “Darlene Bucher Day.”

Darlene was an active member of the Hartville Church of the Brethren where she was a member of two building committees. She also served on the church board, the Christian Education Commission and directed many plays in the church. Darlene taught children and young adults for many years at Bethel Center, Springfield, Hartville, and Manchester Church of the Brethren. She would also give many dramatic readings to numerous churches over the years. Darlene was a member of the Nurture Committee at Manchester Church of the Brethren. Darlene and Gordon traveled all over the country attending Church of the Brethren Annual Conferences and serving as Standing Committee Delegate. They also traveled outside of the U.S. with the Manchester College Alumni Tour and also was a Trustee at Manchester College. Her fondness of photo albums and scrapbooks also lead to her interest in working with the North Manchester Historical Society, and also served as a member of the board. Darlene enjoyed making covered albums, embroidering tablecloths and napkins, and hosting meals for family friends.

The loving memory of Darlene C. Bucher will be forever cherished by her sons, Barry (Diana) Bucher, North Manchester, Brent (Janet) Bucher, Fresno, Ohio, and Brad (Therese) Bucher, Plymouth; brother, Clete (Karen) Fair, Franklin Grove, Illinois; sister, Carol Anderson, Elgin, Illinois; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gordon W. Bucher; parents, Ernest and Alma (Hawbecker) Fair, and sister, Thelma Mitchell.

Family and friends may call Tuesday, June 28, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 Beckley Street, North Manchester. Pastor Amy Gall Richie will officiate. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Darlene C. Bucher, memorial contributions may be made to the North Manchester Historical Society or Manchester University, memo line, Class of 1948 Legacy Endowment Fund, care of McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

The family of Darlene C. Bucher has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.