Darlene Virginia Frain

Darlene Virginia Frain, age 79, an independent and vibrant woman, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on July 5, 2017.  She lived a full life - with love for her family, friends, and community.  Baking, sewing, crocheting, gardening, and travel were her passions. Darlene will be remembered for her perseverance, stamina, and zest for life.

 

Darlene was a native of Arizona, born in Phoenix on July 4, 1938, to J.E. 'Bud' and Matalie Allen (Torbett) Mastin.  She grew up on a multi-generation dairy farm southwest of Phoenix, and was proud of the work ethic she learned from a young age. Her family was a founding member of the United Dairymen of Arizona. She attended Tolleson High School until she married the love of her life, Reginald Frain.  Reg and Darlene were stationed in Honolulu, the territory of Hawaii, from 1954-57, where they made their first home. 

 

Upon returning stateside, Darlene had a variety of careers.  She was a homemaker, then explosives assembler at Unidynamics in Goodyear AZ, then spent 25+ years working in computer operations at Honeywell, and Maricopa County in Phoenix.  Upon retirement, she moved full-time to Munds Park AZ, where she settled for the next 20 years.

 

Darlene was active citizen and self-less public servant in our community.  She was an election volunteer and attended the Coconino County Sheriff's office citizen's academy.  In the Munds Park community, Darlene served as the President of the Pinewood Fire Department (PFD) Board for 11 years.  She served as President of the PFD Auxiliary for 13 years and Treasurer for 4 years.  She helped in the firehouse kitchen, baked and sold cinnamon rolls annually on the Fourth of July, and made varied crafts to sale for fund raising.  She supported youth focused activities, such as the Halloween and Christmas parties.  She supported Pinewood Players by helping with set design & painting, ticket sales, ushering, and behind the scenes.  Darlene has been awarded the Pinewood Property Owners Association (PPOA) 2017 Citizenship Award, which will be presented to her family at the annual PPOA meeting on July 15, 2017. 

 

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Matalie Mastin, her sister, Shirley Hawpe, her brother, John W. Mastin, and the love of her life, Reg Frain. 

 

Darlene is survived by her son, Kasey Frain, beloved daughter-in-law, Charla Frain, and three grand-daughters, Sarah, Emma and Hannah Frain -all being the true light of her life!   Being 'Mom' and 'Grammie' were her proudest accomplishments.  Darlene had many strong friendships and she will be fondly remembered and missed greatly by all.

 

Please join her family and friends in celebrating the life of Darlene Frain on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 10:00 AM, at the Munds Park Community Church, 17670 Munds Ranch Road, Munds Park, Arizona, with a reception immediately following.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Pinewood Fire Department to support the new ambulance purchase. Condolcances can be sent online www.norvelowensmortuary.com