Darlene Lois Kielman

Darlene Lois Walker was born at home July 15, 1926, to parents Rosella (Budd) Walker and Willis E. Walker. She was the second child to the couple following her brother, Delwin Walker. The family resided in a quaint house near Battle Ground, WA. Darlene passed away June 7, 2021, at her home of 76 years, also near Battle Ground. Darlene graduated from Columbia Adventist Academy in 1945. Days after her graduation, she married Raymond (Ray) Kielman, her beloved husband of 63 years and partner in adventure. They had three children together, Shirley (Kielman) Romig, Donna (Kielman) Childress, and Stan Kielman. Ray was her spark, and Darlene was his rock. Together they were each other's everything. Darlene was a humble, strong, and tenacious woman. During WWII, she worked at a local cannery. Then, she was employed by Jantzen swimwear. After working weeks without a day off, Darlene asked for time off to attend an important family event. Jantzen told her no. She quit, made it to her son's graduation, and looked forward to a new job. Soon, she would become a surgeon's assistant with Kaiser, eventually retiring from there. As a child that survived the Great Depression, Darlene was determined to provide a plethora of opportunities for her children. And she did. Darlene immensely enjoyed keeping her lawn immaculate, growing gorgeous flowers, and cultivating a delicious vegetable garden. She was fond of gathering people together from coffee and milkshake dates, birthday lunches and Sunday brunches to large holiday events like Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was delighted by trips to the beach, camping, trail riding, and vacations to Hawaii. Her biggest adventures were with Ray to the Netherlands and Singapore. Also, Darlene could be found joyously attending services at Meadow Glade Seventh Day Adventist Church, just about any Saturday. Darlene Kielman was an exceptional and dynamic human being. She gave kindness in generous amounts to anyone she met. She lived and behaved in accordance with her values, whether it was an extraordinary or mundane circumstance. Darlene fiercely loved her three children, Shirley, Donna, and Stan; her six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren, to which she is survived by. Most of all she loved her adoring husband, Ray. Above all, she loved God. Darlene taught her family how to give love. She showed us how to live life with spice like her red-hair, adventure, and compassion. She graciously balanced tradition while empowering those around her. She found great peace in lending her strength to others and helping people. Darlene will be dearly missed. The experiences she helped create will be forever cherished. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. The funeral will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 NE 112th AVE., Vancouver, WA 98684 The Viewing is Monday, June 14, 2021, from 2-6 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Darlene Lois Kielman

July 15, 1926 - June 7, 2021