Darlene K. Erick

Darlene K. Erick 75 of Lancaster, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Lancaster, Ohio on May 20, 1951 to the late Robert and Dorothea Waits.

Darlene was a LPN for Dr. Castellon and Dr. Chase at Riverview with 20 years of service. She was a member of Lutheran Church of Our Savior, loved to take care of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Darlene enjoyed going to the Fairfield County Fair every year and local parades. She had a passion of helping people in need.

She is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Fannin and Kara (Ronald) Smith all of Lancaster; grandchildren, Kindra (Alec) Price, Haley (Chase Taggart) Fannin and Casey (fiance' Ashley Wittkugle) Strosnider; great grandchildren, Braelin, Blakely, Bennett, Baylor, Braxton and Wesley; brother, Roy (Marjie) Waits of Sugar Grove; sisters, Sandy Hintz of Lancaster and Maryliz (Randal) Hutchinson of Lancaster; many nieces, nephews and many special friends.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, James E. Erick and her parents.

Family and friends may visit Thursday from 4-6 p.m. at the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, LANCASTER, OHIO. Caring Cremation® will follow. Inurnment will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Rose Cemetery with Rev. Diane Gugle officiating.

Memorial gifts may be given to Fairhope Hospice, 282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, Ohio 43130.