Darleen Lillian (Schuh) Thompson

Darleen Lillian (Schuh) Thompson, cherished wife, devoted mother, and beloved grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, in Longview, Washington, at the age of 89. Born on February 20, 1936, in Oregon City, Oregon, Darleen was a beacon of light and warmth. Each moment she spent on this earth was a testament to her caring nature, deeply rooted in her Christian faith.

Darleen graduated as the valedictorian of her class at Delmont High School in 1954 and furthered her education at the Radio Electronics TV Institute in Omaha, Nebraska, before embarking on a dedicated career that would span decades. Her early years saw her thrive at United Airlines in San Francisco, CA, where she honed her administrative skills. Eventually, she found her most fulfilling role as the secretary at First Christian Church in Longview. However, the heart of her most important career blossomed from raising her children, pouring love, wisdom, and compassion into their lives as they grew.

Darleen's spirit was illuminated by her many interests. She found joy in bowling, square dancing, cherished adventures in travel, boating, and hours lost in her beloved books. In 1987, she and her husband, Wayne, sold their home and embraced the freedom of life on the road, traveling across the United States and into Mexico in their RV. Their winters were often spent in sunny Arizona, creating lasting memories with their son and his family. They returned to Kelso and Longview in 2000.

Her kindness extended beyond her own family, as her profound commitment to volunteering brought immense joy to those around her. Darleen was an active participant in her community, lending her heart and hands to school-related activities for her children, serving as a Campfire leader, Sunday school teacher, and adult Bible study leader. She engaged in missionary work with YWAM and SOWERS, helping to repair churches and supporting evangelists. Darleen was also a proud member of Gideons International Auxiliary, Escapees, and Sowers, where her contributions were felt and appreciated by many.

Surviving Darleen are her loving husband, Wayne Thompson, and her brother, Robert Schuh (Jan). She was a devoted mother to Marianne Allen (Buck) and a doting grandmother to Misty Smith (Andy), Tim Allen (Kirsten), Brian Allen, Sadie Allen (Chauncey Goudy), Sydney O’Haver, and Shane Thompson. Her great-grandchildren, Kinsey Smith, Scarlette O’Haver, Sienna O’Haver, Secily O’Haver, Desmond O’Haver, Amelia Allen, Royal Goudy, Meilea Goudy, and Rayden Goudy also delighted her heart.

Darleen was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Jerry Schuh, her sister, Sandra Schuh, and her son, Jonathan Thompson. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those she loved and nurtured, and her legacy of compassion and kindness will continue to live on in the lives of all she touched.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Darleen's life during a memorial service on April 4, 2025, at Steele Chapel in Longview, Washington, beginning at 2:00 PM, with reflections on the beauty of her life and the impact she made on the world around her. Though Darleen's journey on this earthly plane has come to an end, her spirit will shine brightly in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.