Darlene Mae Watenpaugh

Darlene Mae (Pinneo) Watenpaugh, 96, passed away July 28. She was a lovely person, dedicated mom and a helper and friend to all she met. She was born in Philomath, OR, October 19, 1927. She and her family moved to Trade Street in Salem in 1931, during the Great Depression. Witnessing the generosity of her mother and grandmother feeding hungry people on their back porch, Darlene was a giving and helping person throughout her life.

Attending Salem High School, she met Jimmie Watenpaugh. One day as she walked past his locker, he gave her a wink and that was the beginning of a lifelong relationship. Jimmie was drafted and served in WWII, the end of his senior year and future plans were made. Darlene worked for the draft board. One day she realized she was typing Jimmie's discharge papers. They were married March 15, 1946, a marriage that lasted 67 years until his passing in 2013.

They lived in a number of places, North Howell, Salem, Gaston and Forest Grove where Darlene became the office manager and executive secretary to the principal at Neil Armstrong Junior High. Then Jimmie was offered a job representing the State of Alaska in Agriculture--a new adventure began lasting 25 years. Jimmie's job required travelling, so off they went!

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband and their youngest daughter Karen.

Surviving family members include son Roy Watenpaugh of Wasilla, AK, his daughter Rebecca, husband Nick and two great grandsons Nicholas and Calvin. Daughter Mary Lou (Watenpaugh) Carroll of Salem, OR and husband Roger Carroll, two granddaughters Jennifer (Carroll) Blanchard, husband Jason, granddaughters Melissa Carroll, Melissa Wright and Great Grandson Amos Carroll Wright.

In memory donations can be made to Frontline Mission 2001 E. Palmer Wasilla Hwy, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Memorial Service--August 9, 2024, 11:00 A.M. West Hills Community Church, 1650 Brush College Road NW, Salem, OR 97304