Darri L Ussery

Darri Lee Ussery, 80, of Shawnee, KS passed away on July 20, 2026 at Shawnee Mission Advent Health, surrounded by family. She left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith.

Darri was born June 21,1946 in Olathe, KS, the daughter of Harold Conrad and Sarah Jane Widmer. Darri graduated from Shawnee Mission North in 1964. She started her career as a bank teller and went on to explore many other careers, ending as a daycare provider. Darri was an avid crafter, loved playing cards with friends and spending precious time with family. She loved watching Hallmark Christmas movies, Golden Girls and I Love Lucy just to name a few.

She is known for her famous taco sauce that everyone loved. She married Michael (Mike) Potter, of Iowa, and, in 1966, had their first daughter Debra (Potter Vanderwerf). In 1968, they welcomed their second daughter, Lori (Potter Palmisano).

Mike and Darri divorced in 1970.

In 1971, Darri married John (Jack) Ussery, who brought with him four children. The two blended their families and in 1973, they had their seventh child and first together, Kelli.

During the last 8 years of Darri’s life, she exhibited extreme resilience in the face of adversity. That resilience manifested through her humor, positive attitude and determination to make every day count.

She is preceded in death by her husband John Ussery, of Shawnee, her parents Harold and Sarah Widmer (Stumpff), of Shawnee, her sister, Susan Howe, of Olathe, her son-in-law William (Willie) Vanderwerf, of Overland Park, her brother, David Widmer, of Shawnee, and her husband John Ussery, of Shawnee. She is survived by her children Kelli (Mike) Carr of Bonner Springs, Lori (Jim) Palmisano of Overland Park, Debra (Willie) Vanderwerf, of Overland Park, Jeff (Jill) Ussery of Shawnee, Joy (David) Jeffries of Greeley, CO, John (Lynn) Ussery of North Glenn, CO, and Jerry Ussery of Overland Park. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia (Alan) Harmon of Shawnee, her 15 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Darri will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Friends and family are welcome to support the family at the visitation on Thursday, July 30, 2026 beginning at 1:00pm until service time at 2:00pm at the Amos Family Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow at the Old Monticello Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Salem Lutheran Church 13402 W 92nd St, Lenexa, KS 66215.