Darlene Malone

Darlene Malone

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darlene J Malone on October 30th 2024 at the amazing age of 90, in Spokane Valley WA. Our wonderful Mother, Darlene, was born on October 31, 1933 to Kenneth & Ardyce Kirk in Spokane WA. As a young girl, she & her family lived on her Grandparent’s farm near Cheney. The family moved back to Spokane and she then attended North Central and Rogers High Schools. Darlene was extremely proud of her 9 plus years as the Manager of the Low-Cost Grocery store in Spokane Valley. 

She met the love of her life, Beecher “Jack” Malone in 1962 & they married on April 20, 1963. They remained together until Jack’s passing in April 2016 at the age of 85. In the late 1960’s, Jack (and Darlene) were stationed in Goose Bay Labrador Canada during his service in the United States Air Force. They made two separate visits to the nearby island of Newfoundland Canada to adopt their 2 infant children, Darren & Sharon. When Jack retired from the USAF, they settled in the Spokane Valley, and then their current home of Otis Orchards WA. Darlene was a homemaker, and kept extremely busy also selling Avon personal products, World Book Encyclopedias and assisted her kids with their newspaper routes as a Area Distributor of the Spokane Community Press newspaper. Darlene was a very active member of Daughters of the Nile and also volunteered with Al-Anon, rising through leadership to become a Regional Director. She enjoyed helping others, philanthropy, and always made time for encouraging advice. 

Darlene was one of the most non-judgmental people we've known. Jack & Darlene loved swimming and camping and could be found every summer serving as Campground Hosts at Sullivan Lake National Forest Campground. She gave her children the rare opportunity to appreciate the great outdoors, lakes, and forests. 

Darlene is survived by her children, Darren Malone of Clearwater FL and Sharon (Bill) Reynolds of Otis Orchards WA; grandchildren Scott Boyd, Alexandra McGlynn, Danielle Taylor, and Kenny Reynolds; great-grandchildren Brianna & Kinsley; brothers Bill (Sharon) Kirk & Dale (Trudy) Floyd. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband Jack Malone & sister Rhae (Don) Stoudt. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Hospice of Spokane and heartfelt gratitude to Sara & Katie at “A Cozy Place Adult Family Home” for Darlene’s wonderful care and service during the latter part of her life.

Darlene’s service is at 10 AM on November 15th 2024 at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N Division, Spokane WA. In lieu of flowers, Darlene requests small donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or RiteCare Spokane.