Darlene Mae Collyer

Darlene Mae Doble Collyer, 92, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away in Richfield, surrounded by her family on a rainy Seattle-like day, Sunday June 19, 2011. Born April 24, 1919 in her grandmother’s boarding house in Salt Lake City, she was the oldest of three children born to Hazel Thora Burgess and Forest "Kelly" Doble.

Reared in Seattle, Darlene had a bright and innovative mind, and enjoyed math, science, public speaking, and home economics. She excelled in dress-making and tailoring skills where she worked for Singer and taught sewing and demonstrated sewing machines. Darlene was an amazing cook and baker where she was known for her fantastic pies.

She served in the Northwest States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before marrying her sweetheart Percy Collyer, October 14, 1939 in the Cardston, Alberta, Canada, LDS Temple. He preceded her in death February 10, 1987.

Darlene was employed at Feek’s Answering Service in Seattle and retired from Seattle’s Metro Transit, after being an information supervisor for 25 years. Following Percy’s death, Darlene moved to Richfield in 1987, where she was employed at Valley Vision Clinic. Ever the entrepreneur, she also maintained a curtain sewing business.

An example of unsurpassed faith and gospel devotion, Darlene served a second LDS mission to Columbia South Carolina in 1989. Throughout her life she remained devoted to serving others, serving in numerous stake and ward Relief Society, Young Women and Primary presidencies wherever she lived. She served faithfully for years as a temple ordinance worker in the Seattle and Manti Temples.

An example of kindness and selfless service, Darlene was a devoted wife, a talented and adoring mother and grandmother, and a faithful daughter of her Heavenly Father.

She is survived by seven of her children; Maureen (Dee) Bliss, Oklahoma City, OK; Cathleen (Kay) Willis, Manti; Thomas (Robyn) Collyer, Onalaska, WA; Christine Collyer, Clarksville, TN; Charleen Collyer, Nampa, ID; Pauline (Richard) Luekenga, Richfield; and John Collyer, Seattle, WA. Also surviving are 39 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren and 63 great-great- grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Percy; daughter Coleen Collyer Eyre; infant grandson, Jon Christian Eyre; sister and brother-in-law Elaine Doble and Calvin Jackson.

The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation for the compassionate care their beautiful mother received from loving caregivers at the Beehive House and from Intermountain Hospice nurses.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 12:00 Noon in the Richfield East Stake Center Chapel, 800 North 500 East. Friends may meet with family Friday evening from 6 to 7 at the Magleby Mortuary, 50 South 100 West, Richfield; and Saturday at the stake center from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment, Richfield Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.