Cover photo for Darlene Joy Rathka's Obituary

Darlene Joy Rathka

Darlene Joy Rathka

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.

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