Darlene was born in Portland, OR to Albert and Elizabeth (Rohrbach) Schlip. She was the second of four girls: Dorothy (1918-1922 died from appendicitis), Geraldine (1926-2016), Carol (1928-2007). She lived in the same area of Portland until she moved to Beaverton in September 2022. She attended Hillsdale School until it closed in 1936, and completed her education at Multnomah School, where she graduated in 1938. After graduation Darlene was as a housekeeper and child caregiver until she went to work for Fulton Park Dairy. At the dairy she was up at 3 AM to serve breakfast to about 50 people and then worked 6 hours in the office. In 1942 she went to work for Stidd’s, There she worked alongside her father for many years making tamales, chicken broth and Portland Punch, among many other tasks. After 42 years of employment Stidd’s closed 1984. At 60 years old she married Melvin M. Brunson on December 22, 1984. When Helen Melvin’s first wife’s health was failing, she told him he should marry Darlene. They enjoyed traveling extensively, which included a cruise to Alaska, a trip to Hawaii, and their favorite train adventures across the US. Not to forget family functions reunions, weddings, birthday and other celebrations. They had 15 blessed and blissful years together until he went to home to heaven in 2000. In 2018 KATU2 Everyday Heroes honored and recognized Darlene for her years of volunteer work at the The Neighborhood House Senior Center in Multnomah Village.
Darlene was a dedicated Christian and longtime member of West Hills Christian Church, where she lead singing, taught Sunday school and sang in duets and trios. She spent time daily reading her Bible and devotions. Her love for her Lord was exemplified in her selfless lifelong devotion to serving others, whether it was family, friends or strangers. She visited elderly people almost every Sunday after church for many years. She spent her vacations taking her 5 nephews and nieces to the beach for a week, where they stayed in a one room, one bath cabin.
Darlene’s favorite saying was “work is play I enjoy” and a quote she loved was “I help others, but in turn it’s helping me”
She was preceded in death by Parents: Albert and Elizabeth Schilp, her beloved husband Melvin M. Brunson, sister Dorothy Schilip, sisters and brother-in-laws: Geraldine and Claud Killian; Carol and Hank Gunst. She is survived by her nephews: Elery Killian (Barbara), Emery Killian (Sharon) and Everet Killian (Lucie) and nieces Ladena Anderson (Scott) and Denise Ehredt (Mike) and their families.
Nancy Burke, Bob and Laurie Domen and numerous other faithful friends, neighbors and loving caregivers who were not only visitors and companions, but family to Darlene.
In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to the church or charity of your choice.
A graveside service for Darlene will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sunset Hills Memorial Park Or, 6801 SW SUNSET HWY, PORTLAND, OR 97225.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.finleysunsethills.com for the Brunson family.
In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to the church or charity of your choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5