Obituary: Darlene K. Erick, 75, of Lancaster, Ohio

Darlene K. Erick, a licensed practical nurse in Lancaster, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the age of 75. She died at her residence surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of two decades of medical service and a deep commitment to the Fairfield County community, as reported by the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory.

For those who knew her in a professional capacity, Darlene was a constant at Riverview, where she served as an LPN for Dr. Castellon and Dr. Chase.

A life rooted in Lancaster

Born on May 20, 1951, to the late Robert and Dorothea Waits, Darlene spent the vast majority of her life in the city where she was born. This deep geographic rooting is evident in her personal passions. She was a regular at the Fairfield County Fair and a fixture at local parades, activities that anchor the social fabric of small-town Ohio.

Her faith and family served as her primary support systems. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior and dedicated much of her later years to caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Obituary: Darlene K. Erick, 75, of Lancaster, Ohio — Photo: legacy.com

Family and surviving kin

Darlene is survived by a large, multi-generational family. Her daughters, Kimberly Fannin and Kara Smith (along with husband Ronald), both reside in Lancaster. The family tree extends to three grandchildren—Kindra Price (Alec), Haley Fannin (Chase Taggart), and Casey Strosnider (fiancée Ashley Wittkugle)—and six great-grandchildren: Braelin, Blakely, Bennett, Baylor, Braxton, and Wesley.

She also leaves behind her brother, Roy Waits (Marjie) of Sugar Grove, and sisters Sandy Hintz and Maryliz Hutchinson (Randal), both of Lancaster, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 35 years, James E. Erick.

Visitation and inurnment services scheduled for October

The community can pay their respects this week through a series of scheduled services. Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 405 N Columbus St, Lancaster, OH 43130.

Following a Caring Cremation, the final inurnment is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Rose Cemetery (1238 N Columbus St, Lancaster, OH 43130), with Rev. Diane Gugle officiating the service.

In lieu of traditional flowers, the family has suggested that memorial gifts be directed to Fairhope Hospice, located at 282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, Ohio 43130.