Darlene Joy Rathka passed on November 4, 2018,
surrounded by her children. She was born
July 5, 1929, to George and Mary Larson in Basalt, Idaho. She was the first of five children and has
happy memories growing up in Basalt. Her
family moved to Blackfoot and later to Aberdeen where she graduated high school
in 1947. She married Philip Rathka of
American Falls, Idaho, on January 6, 1949.
Together they raised four children and made American Falls their home
until Phil’s death in 1992. At that time
Darlene moved to Boise, in 1993, to be near her children and grandchildren.
She loved her family and enjoyed playing the piano,
crocheting, sewing, gardening, canning, traveling, camping, boating, playing
games and the mountains.
“My children,
grandchildren, and friends gladdened my heart,” said Darlene.
And of course, she loved to cook and to go
shopping.
She was a member of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she served in the Primary and the
Relief Society.
She played the piano for
Glee Club and Drama during her high school years, and played for a variety of church
activities.
Darlene is survived by her sister: Connie Poulson of
Pocatello, her children: Cheryl (Jim) Hodges of Boise; Kerry (Lee) Rathka of
Banks, Or; Darla (Ed) Rankin of Boise; Kathy (Kevin) Williams of Boise, and thirteen
grandkids: Shelee, Mathew, Crystal, Aaron, Andrea, Dustin, Megan, Natalie,
Felicia, Sean, Trisha, Jeanette, and Andrea; and thirty-five
great and
great-great grandchildren.
She is
proceeded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings: Bonnie Barney, Larry
Larson, and Dallas Larson, daugther -in- law: Ricci Rathka; and great-grandson
Taren Hodges.
A viewing will be held at Alden-Waggoner Funeral
Chapel at 5400 Fairview Rd, Boise, Idaho on November 9
th
from 7:00PM
to 8:00PM.
A graveside service will be
held at Falls View Cemetery in American Falls, Idaho on November 10
th
at 12:00 Noon.