Obituary of Darlene Smart
A bright light has been snuffed out. Darlene Smart died March 4th 2024. She was born to Jess and Eva Maddux in Tonasket, Washington on June 12, 1942. She grew up in Leavenworth, Washington and graduated from Leavenworth High School. She was active in school and participated in the Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festivals’ Royal Court as Princess Leavenworth. She attended the University of Washington briefly and then worked at the that University Printing office.
Darlene was Married to Bill Smart on February 22, 1963 and resided in Seattle where their first son Jeff was born.
The three members of the Smart family moved to Yakima in early 1965. Sons Steve and Andrew arrived there to complete the Family. The Yakima years led to some of the best friendships of her life. If an acquaintance placed a high value on their friends, one of the best things that could happen to them is to have Darlene as a friend. Once a friendship was formed she would never let it go.
As the boys got far enough into school she returned to school and got an Associates Degree in Nutrition. She worked for the Weigh Watchers organization in Central Washington in several capacities of increasing responsibilities.
The family moved to Boise in 1983. Darlene jumped in, with church activities and Diet Center work, eventually acquiring a Diet Center franchise. As per normal she made new friend easily.
Darlene loved to travel for the wonderful adventure of it all. Better with friends, but solo also worked.
Darlene is survived by husband Bill, sons Jeff, Steve, and Andy, Grand daughter Brittany and Family, Brother Gary sister-in-law Marilu and family, Brother Dale and sister-in-law Leann and family. Sisters-in-Laws Ilene Maddux, Sigrid Wister, and Connie Jones. Numerous Nieces and Nephews. She was predeceased by Brothers Bruce and Dan; Sister-in-law Midge Duncan, and nephews.Shawn and Brian Maddux.
Services will be held on Tuesday March 12th at 1:00 PM at the Boise Presbyterian Church 520 West State street. Grave side services will be held at 10:AM Saturday March 16th at the Wenatchee, Washington cemetery.
One Gourmet girl’s at Darlene’s passing noted that she “loved her family, friends, and a great party.” She could get up some “good mischief”! A very good summary of a life well lived.
