Darlene Jean Phatharaphak

Darlene Jean Phatharaphak (Vinson), age 80, passed away unexpectedly on October 13, 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan with family by her side. A woman known for her thoughtful, kind, and loving personality. She was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1944 to Loretta and Harold Vinson.

Darlene met the love of her life, Rakchat Chat Phatharaphak, in 1961 at Pioneer High school. Their love was undeniable and they married on August 2,1963 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Some say it was love, some say it was Laurie. Either way, her family started, Shawn was born in 1968 and her children became the joy of her life.

Darlene was a devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life revolved around caring for her family. Her warmth filled every room she entered—and no one ever left her home hungry. She was famous among family and friends for her breakfast casserole, decadent desserts, and Thai curry—it was nearly impossible to visit without gaining five pounds.

Darlene enjoyed a long career in banking throughout the Ann Arbor area, retiring in 2002.

Darlene loved quilting, reading, crochet, knitting, and making sure her home won the cleanest house of the year award, Darlene’s favorite role was that of a grandparent. She treasured time with her grandkids and loved being their grandma. Never failing to remind them to not speculate or worry over how they were living their lives.

In her later years, Darlene found joy in various clubs - Quilt Club, Red Hats, Bunco, Garden Club, Treasure Seekers and Breakfast Club.

Darlene is survived by her loving husband, Chat Phatharaphak; her children, Laurie (Alan Navarre) Tooles and Shawn Phatharaphak; grandchildren, Jorie (Courtenay) Tooles, Jasmyn Tooles, Jared Tooles, Jonas Tooles, Jeremiah Tooles, Rob Bates, and Landon Johnson; great-grandchildren, Del Coleman, Sonny Tooles, and soon-to-arrive Elora Tooles; and her sister, Carolyn (Thomas) Amrozowicz, nephew Troy Tennant.

In addition to her parents, Darlene is preceded in death by stepfather, William Tennant, and brothers, Richard Tennant and Larry Vinson.

Darlene will always be remembered for her listening ear and the ability to make everyone feel seen and comfortable. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner, parent, grandparent, sibling, and we’ll miss Darlene every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI. Please be aware there is a home Michigan Football game.