Darlene Vera Westphal

1927 - 2015

Darlene (Dolly) Vera Westphal, 88, passed away at Josephine Sunset Home Rehab Center in Stanwood Wash. on December 20, 2015. Dolly was a long time resident of Ballard where she and her husband Bob raised their family before moving to Camano Island, Wash. in the mid 1980's when she and her husband supposedly went to retire. Dolly was a member of the greatest generation holding down the home front with their young family while her husband, Bob was serving in the European Theater. She was the strong woman behind the strong man who she unfailing loved and supported, often times in the background, throughout his military career of close to 40 years both on active duty during WWII and through his many years serving in the Washington Army National Guard; and many years of community service in support of the local community and veterans on a local, state and national level. Dolly was involved for many years in the State Chapter and local Puget Sound Chapter of the Washington National Guard Women's Auxiliary serving that organization in various rolls supporting the Washington National Guard members and their families. Dolly was also a member of the American Legion Frank H. Hancock Post 92 Women's Auxiliary where she served and supported veterans and their families not only in the local community of Stanwood but through the USO and local Veterans Hospitals. Dolly was also involved in supporting Stanwood Senior Center, Josephine Sunset Home and other local charitable organizations. Dolly was also a past Worthy Matron of Concord Chapter Order of Eastern Star. Dolly was a devoted wife of 71 years to Bob, loving mother of Barry (Marti) Westphal, Ilene (Bob) McIntire; doting grandmother to JoLyn Westphal, Julie Stahler, Jeff (Kim) Westphal, Robert (Michelle) McIntire, Terry McIntire and great grandmother to Nicholas Stahler, Matthew Stahler, Kalie Stahler and Myla McIntire. Dolly was preceded in death by her parents, Elwin and Vera Phelps Sr. and her son, Daryel Westphal. Dolly was laid to rest in Tahoma National Cemetery on December 29, 2015. A celebration of her life will be held at Gilbertson Funeral Home, 27001 88th Ave NW, Stanwood starting at 1:00 p.m. on January 16, 2016. A luncheon will immediately follow at the American Legion Frank H. Hancock Post 92, 26921 88th Ave NW Stanwood (across the street from the funeral home). In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent in her memory to the Frank H. Hancock Post 92 Scholarship Fund, PO Box 323 Stanwood, WA 98292. Please sign Dolly's online guestbook at: www.gilbertsonfh.com