Obituary published on Legacy.com by Shaw & Sons Funeral Home on Oct. 1, 2025.
Darlene Louise "Honey" (McLaughlin) Porter, 84 of
Yakima, Washington, went to join the Lord on September 5, 2025, while at her home. She was born on November 9, 1940, to Roland Mclaughlin and Kathryn Thomas in Fort Yates, ND on the Standing Rock Reservation.
She moved to
Yakima, WA, with her family in 1946. She attended both St. Paul and St. Joseph Catholic Schools. She attended Yakima High School before moving to Klamath Falls, OR, where she graduated from high school.
Darlene had four children, Sheila Delgado, Michael Geiss, Robbie Roybal and Shawna Hill- Roybal.
She worked as a cocktail waitress/ Bartender all over the Yakima Valley, including The Caravan, The Thunderbird, Seventh & A in The Town Plaza, The Yakima Meadows, and The Golden Kayland. In her later years, she worked for her beloved brother Rol at his Assisted Living,
St. Jude’s Manor as a caregiver where she was loved and cherished by her ladies up until her retirement in 2005.
In 2008, Darlene was able to reconnect with her first love. They spent the next six years making beautiful memories together. Whether it was traveling up and down the Oregon Coast, taking a cruise up into Alaska, or jet-setting to Costa Rica with her beloved brother, Jack and his family for her niece's wedding. They were re-joined in matrimony on Valentines Day of 2014. Eventually settling in Scio, Or to be closer to his children and grandchildren until his passing in 2016.
Darlene is survived by her children, Sheila, Mike, Robbie (Keri) and Shawna (Will). Her beloved pet and road dog, Snoopy (Bob- Barker). Grandchildren, Michael (Joni), Dwayne (Trish), Daniel (Ashley), Joseph (Kylie), Nicole, Lyndsi, Stephanee, Michael, Trevor, Blake, Christie, Addie and Sadie. She has 23 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Rol Mclaughlin and Jack (Mary Mclaughlin) and all her dear nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Roland McLaughlin, Kathryn and Robert Sprouse. Her sister, Cheryl Haselwood, her darling sister-in-law, Fran Mclaughlin, her granddaughter, Brittany and her nephew Jim Mclaughlin.
The love of her life Sonny Porter waited ever so patiently for her at the gates.
Darlene was an avid Gardner, beachcomber and a devoted Honey to her grandchildren. A lover of wine, road trips, & card games.
Honey wasn't just a devoted Grandma but devoted to her family. She relished in any moment she was able to spend with her children and grandchildren. She believed in creating lasting memories and taking pictures. She looked forward to spending time with her brothers and their children. From birthdays, holidays, to trips to the ocean. It made her heart so happy to be included. She truly lit up any room she entered. With her contagious laugh and smile. Honey radiated kindness and love that was infectious. She is and always will be missed.
Darlene is being cremated by Shaw and Sons. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 25 from 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm at Kameo Flowers and Events.
Please come and remember her. Share stories, eat and have a glass of wine in her memory.
The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Memorial Hospice, especially Maria and Lacey, her nurses.
Shaw and Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at shawandsons.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darlene, please visit our floral store.