Darlene L. Smeltzer, 89, peacefully passed to her eternal home on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Luther Acres in Lititz. Born in Lancaster County, PA, she was the daughter of the late Willis John and Esther Frey (Gerlach) Banzhof. She was preceded in death by her husband of 22 years, Richard L. Wiker, Sr., and her husband of 13 years, Everett “Herbie” Smeltzer, Sr, and later her companion of 25 years, Norman E. Waltz.

Born and raised in Lancaster County, Darlene lived much of her life in Lancaster, then lived in Wrightsville for 42 years before moving to St. John’s Herr Estate in Columbia a little more than a year ago. 

She cherished her activities at Hempfield High School, playing clarinet in the marching band, playing field hockey and serving as secretary of the Student Council.

Darlene drove a food truck for many years, serving food that she prepared on the truck. She enjoyed polka dancing. She was known for her amazing, home-made peanut butter eggs, which she spent hours and hours making every Easter. She was a seamstress, enjoyed crocheting and bowling, and was a fan of the Phillies, Eagles and Penn State football. She enjoyed making jewelry and silk floral arrangements. She traveled to many places across the country.

Darlene was baptized as a teen in the Brethren church and later was a member of the Grace EC church in Lancaster. In her later years, she worshipped online with the churches her daughter served.

Darlene loved her family and she showed that love in so many ways. She made holidays special with her preparation of meals for her large, and ever-growing, family to enjoy as we all gathered round her kitchen table.

She was and is deeply loved by her family and will be sorely missed.

Darlene is survived by four children, Richard L. (Cheryl) Wiker of Ypsilanti, MI, Rev. Dr. Sherry L. (Gordon) Lantz of Sinking Spring, PA, Randal B. (Gayle) Wiker of Lancaster, and Wendy S. (Nicholas) Alexakos of Lancaster; eight grandchildren: Jason M. Lantz, Rick Wiker, Jennifer L. (Rev. Keith) Buckbee, Peter N. (JeLeina) Alexakos, Zac (Nicole) Alexakos, RJ Wiker (Inshala Lantigua), Summer Anne (Raul) Rodriguez, and Nicole Alexakos; eight great grandchildren: Hannah Buckbee, Sarah Buckbee, Abby Buckbee, Tini Inu Alexakos, Katherine Buckbee, Caleb Buckbee, Charlotte Buckbee, and Gabriella Lantigua Wiker; and brother John (Joanne) Banzhof of Willow Street. Darlene is also survived by stepchildren, Herbert (Lynn) Smeltzer, Hallam, PA, and Everett “Sonny” Smeltzer. Darlene was preceded in death by her daughter, Audrey J. Wiker, stepdaughter, Debra J. Smeltzer, and a stepson, Fred C. Smeltzer.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 11 AM from Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Interment will be in Conestoga Memorial Park. Family and friends will be received from 10-11 AM at the funeral home on Monday.