Ruby "Darline" Bodenstab

Ruby “Darline” Bodenstab, 84, passed away on September 25, 2023 in the comfort of her home.

Darline was born on December 17, 1938 in Willow Springs, Missouri to David and Mae (Smith) Johnson. She attended Concordia High School where she was involved in pep club and band. It was while she was in high school that she met the love of her life, Virtus Bodenstab, while working at Topsy’s Café.

After High School, she attended Nursing School for a short period of time in St. Louis, Missouri. She then married Virtus on January 29, 1960 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, in Higginsville, Missouri. Both Darline and Virtus joined Messiah Lutheran Church in 1964, where she was very active in the Altar Guild and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She enjoyed sewing so much that she made it her profession as a seamstress for a local clothing retailer. Her hobbies included reading, artwork, basket weaving and volunteering at the animal shelter. She also enjoyed spending time at home and at the Lake of the Ozarks, where she spent precious time with her grandkids and great grandkids.

Darline is preceded in death by her husband, Virtus Bodenstab, her parents and a sister, Donna Johnson. Survivors include her three sons, Scott (Alease) Bodenstab, Todd (Johnna) Bodenstab and Barry Bodenstab. “Grandma” will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Cameron Bodenstab, Cole Bodenstab, Lindsey (Matthew) Kalbfleish, and Tyler (Alexis) Bodenstab as well as her great grandchildren Wyatt and Rowan Kalbfleish and Macy and Laurel Bodenstab. She is also survived by her brothers David Johnson, Danny Johnson, Rick Johnson, and Donald Johnson, as well as a large extended family and a host of friends, and yes, her little four-legged companion Penny. 

Funeral services are Monday, October 2 at 10:00 am at Messiah Lutheran Church 613 S. Main Street, Independence MO. Burial will take place following the funeral at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Concordia, Missouri.

A special thank you to our mother’s earthly angel, Jerrilyn Clair.  Without her daily love, care and support, Darline’s wishes to remain at home could never have been fulfilled.  We love you Jerrilyn and cannot thank you enough.   

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church or the Independence Animal Shelter.