Darlene Maxine Keahey

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." It is with sadness but not without hope that we announce the passing of Darlene Maxine Keahey, on September 3rd, 2024, in Tumwater, Washington, at the age of 85. Born Darlene Maxine Smith on May 8th, 1939, in Toledo, Washington, Darlene's remarkable life was rooted in family, faith, and kindness.
Darlene graduated with the class of 1957 from Chehalis High School, and soon after began a lifelong journey of love and companionship with her husband, Dennis Lee Keahey. They married on August 16th, 1958, at Bethel Assembly in Chehalis, Washington. Together, they built a loving home filled with warmth, kindness, and unwavering support.
Darlene was a devoted homemaker, raising four beautiful and strong-willed children: Darwin, Denise, Daniel, and Del. Her dedication to her family was evident in every aspect of her life, as she nurtured and guided them with an unyielding love. The depth of her compassion and loyalty left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege to know her.
Her commitment to her faith was a cornerstone of her life, reflected in her service as a Sunday School teacher, youth group leader, and assisting her husband, Dennis, with a Senior Bible Study group at Calvary Chapel. For two decades, Darlene facilitated a multi-denominational, monthly Bible study, touching many lives through her deep faith and thoughtful insights.
Darlene found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as piecing together jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, and creating beautiful scrapbooks to commemorate every family trip and adventure. Her artistic spirit shone through her meticulous scrapbooks, which were cherished by her family and friends.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Dennis Keahey; her children, Darwin(Debra), Daniel(Sheri), and Del(Carla); her brothers, Darrell Smith and Duane Smith; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her pride and joy. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Hazel Smith, and her grandparents, Isaac Fielding Smith and Abigail Deck Smith, her daughter Denise Hubbard, and her sister Doris Anderson.
A memorial service to celebrate Darlene's life will take place on September 21st, 2024, starting at 1:00 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Olympia, 919 Division St NW, Olympia, WA, 98502. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Samaritan's Purse (samaritanspurse.org) or Mercy Ships (mercyships.org), reflecting Darlene and Dennis's desire to support charitable causes close to their hearts.
Darlene's legacy is one of unwavering love, devotion, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her for the time being. Looking forward to seeing her again, but her spirit and the beautiful memories she created will live on forever in our hearts.