Darlene J Elliott

Our dear mother, wife, grandmother, and friend, Darlene Elliott passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 3, 2016. Darlene was born on December 27, 1949 in Lewiston, Idaho, to George and Betty (Robinett) Hart.

Darlene married Harold, the love of her life, in 1990. By that time she had already raised her two children, Lori and David. She also gained step-children whom she loved very much. Darlene and Harold enjoyed traveling to various beaches, as well as to Las Vegas. They were inseparable. Darlene adored her grandchildren and was an important part of their lives. She was so thankful for her dear friend, and co-rescuer, Becky, and countless others.

Darlene was a huge dog lover, with dog rescue being not only a passion, but also a life dedication. She began her volunteer work in organized dog rescue with Wags to Riches Animal Rescue in 2008, and in 2010 became the Adoption Coordinator. In 2011, Darlene switched to the position of Foster Coordinator and held that position until June 2015. It was then that she, along with a handful of dog loving, dedicated friends, decided to branch off on their own to create a new Yakima rescue, All Mutts Great and Small, to provide an additional source of rescue services to the Valley. From that point on, until her death, Darlene dedicated nearly all her time to the development and daily operation with passion, conviction, and dedication. She was well known in the Yakima Valley animal rescue community for giving unselfishly and tirelessly from her heart. Darlene fostered dozens and saved hundreds of dogs in her many years of rescue volunteer services. All five of her adored personal dogs: Benny, Sofie, Marco, Tiffany, and Mollie, were rescued dogs of one kind or another.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents and step-daughter, Kris.

She is survived by her husband, Harold, and his children, Harry (Elke) Elliott, Steve (Norma) Elliott, and Kim Elliott; and Darlene’s children, Lori (Jeff) Fletcher and David Richmond. She is also survived by grandchildren Kyle and Kaden Fletcher, Erick Richmond, and step-grandchildren, as well as her sister, Kathy (Craig) Thomas; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2016 at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home in Yakima. A reception will be held at the same location following the service. A private gathering will be held by family at a later date to disperse remains.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, in Darlene’s memory, to All Mutts Great and Small, PO Box 8322, Yakima, WA 98908.

To share a memory of Darlene, please visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.