Darlene Joyce Bennett

Darlene J. Bennett, 77, of Union Gap passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 21, 2012 after a courageous five year battle with Dementia. She was surrounded by her family. Darlene was born to Earnest and Vera (Kemper) Ramm in Pilger, Nebraska on October 10, 1934. She was raised and educated in Kansas, Washington and Nebraska and attended Kearney State College.

On, December 28, 1952 she married her best friend and love of her life Roy J. Bennett. They met when she was a sophomore in high school and their bond was inseparable. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Together they raised three children.

Darlene’s family was always her main focus. Sunday meals were a given each week. You could always see Darlene and Roy at various sporting events, dance recitals, or school activities involving their children and later their grandchildren, at times traveling to multiple functions in one day.

She worked in banking before moving to Yakima in 1957. When in Yakima, Darlene and Roy owned and operated the snack bar in the Country Store Shopping Center. In 1973, they opened Roy’s Restaurant on Fifth Avenue and Walnut, working together daily until their retirement in 1992.

Following retirement, Darlene and Roy spent time traveling with their family and friends. Whether by car, boat or plane they were always up for the adventure. Many weekends were spent at their property at Desert Aire. They also frequently returned to Nebraska to visit family and friends. Darlene welcomed anyone into her home and always treated guests to fresh home cooked meals, friendly conversations, and a game of cards.

Darlene is survived by her husband Roy, of Union Gap, her children Jan (Mike) Shuel of Yakima, Jerry (Karen) Bennett of Pasco, Jody (Michael) Moen of Yakima, her grandchildren Jennifer(Chase) Webster, Bradley (Emily), and Matthew Shuel, Kristen and James Bennett, Connor, Colton, Kailey, and Katelynn Moen and great granddaughter Bentlie Webster. She is also survived by her sister, Lois Royle of Lexington, Nebraska as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Parkside Care Facility and Lower Valley Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Yakima where Darlene was a member.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 26 at Keith & Keith Ninth Ave Chapel. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 801 Tieton Dr. Yakima, WA with burial following at Tahoma Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Keith & Keith Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.