Darlene Sherman enjoys time with her great-grandchildren. (Photo courtesy Deb Sherman)
She was a farmer’s wife, one whose gentle legacy will live on for generations.
Darlene Sherman brought joy and kindness to everything she did and made the prairie a more-welcoming place.
She accomplished much in her 90 years, and her family and friends will cherish their time with her.
Iva “Darlene” Sherman, aged 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Coupeville, Washington, on July 18, 2024.
Born on June 11, 1934, in Twin Falls Idaho, she was the daughter of Don and Iva Kilborn.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Roger, her parents, and her brother, Vaughn Kilborn.
Darlene grew up on a farm in Kimberly, Idaho and graduated from Kimberly High School.
She attended the University of Idaho and majored in home economics and minored in music.
Her passion for music was not only a field of study, but a lifelong pursuit.
She met her husband, Roger, who was attending Washington State University, on a train headed for a Wesley Foundation conference for college students in Kansas.
Roger was immediately smitten with Darlene’s beautiful smile, gentle spirit, and her stunning red hair.
They married in 1956 and two weeks later Roger was stationed in Iceland serving in the Air Force.
Darlene stayed in Idaho and taught home economics.
After being apart for a year, they moved to Edwards Air Force Base, CA and eventually moved to Coupeville to work on the family farm with Roger’s dad, Clark Sherman, and his brother Al Sherman.
With her background, being the wife of a farmer came naturally to Darlene.
She enjoyed being home to raise her children, cook amazing meals for a hungry farmer (especially her famous chicken and rice casserole), and work when needed on the farm.
She supported Roger with his many community activities, including the Lions Club and the Sea Explorers.
Darlene supported the church and community with her many gifts.
She was a lifelong member of the church and joined the Coupeville United Methodist Church when she and Roger moved to Coupeville.
Music was Darlene’s passion. She was a member of the church choir for 65 years.
She performed solos, sang in duets, quartets and was a member of the community choir and the Choralaires.
Her musical talents also led to her teaching music in Sunday school.
When the church purchased a set of bells, Darlene became a 40-year member of the bell choir.
She played bells at her 90th birthday celebration at the Sunday church service just a month before she passed away.
An active member of the United Methodist Women, Darlene served in a variety of offices over the years.
She made countless meals, cookies and desserts, and for decades helped make Christmas wreaths, all for mission work in our community and the world.
She served on the church’s Music, Memorial, and History committees, and was a member of P.E.O., supporting women’s education.
For many years Darlene volunteered at Whidbey Health Hospital, greeting people and serving beverages to patients.
She also worked on the election board, greeting people who came into the school to vote, and counting ballots late into the night.
Darlene’s life was a collection of chapters that told a story of dedication, love, and kindness.
She always had time to talk and make you feel special; like she had been waiting all day to see you and now the day was complete.
She is survived by her children, Connie Tripp (Mike), and Don Sherman (Deb), grandchildren, Brad (Abbey), Jamie, Bryan (Bailey), Jeff (Leah), Tony (Shelby), 11 great-grandchildren, brother in-law Jim Sherman (Michael), and many extended family and friends whom she loved deeply.
A memorial service will be held at the Coupeville United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 24th, at 11:00 AM.
Please join us in celebrating Darlene’s life, where we will remember the joy she brought to all of us.
In remembrance of Darlene’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to The Coupeville United Methodist Church memorials or the music program.
Coupeville United Methodist Church, PO Box 566, Coupeville, WA 98239.
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