Darlene’s life journey began March 1, 1939, in Hamlin, Kans. She was one of seven children to her father, Lloyd Arnold and mother, Violet Clements. Darlene was preceded in death by her sisters, Bette, Marietta, Jeanine, and Maxine; and brothers, Bill and John.
Darlene spent her younger years in Kansas and later moved to the Tacoma, Wash., area where she attended Jason Lee Middle School and Annie Wright High School. Her journey later took her to the Long Beach, Calif., area where she met her first love, Tom Vance. After marriage, the two relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, where they began a family of their own as they welcomed Cary Vance into their lives, and almost three years later, John “Douglas” Vance was born.
As life is a journey for most, it was no different for Darlene as she and her two sons moved back to Tacoma, Wash., to be closer to her family. She was a devoted and hard-working mother, who worked for many years for the Ranger Newspaper selling advertising. As with everything she did, she was tenacious and competitive which led her to be a very well-respected lady in the working world.
In the mid 1970’s, Darlene met soulmate and love of her life, James Seiber. They were married in January of 1981, and were married for 38 years until James passed in 2019. Jim and Darlene spent most of their golden years in life as residents of Cinebar, Wash., where they were known and loved by many. At only 4’7, she was known to be feisty, competitive, and quick witted. They both enjoyed caring for their five acre home and property, fishing and spending time with their friends and family, to include a legendary Memorial Day family reunion every year.
Darlene was adored and cherished by her 17 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; and was known as “short grandma”. She loved spending time with all of them and was known for her competitive spirit when playing board, cards, and other family games. In short, grandma loved to win and she usually did!
Darlene was called home May 5, 2021, as she peacefully passed away in her sleep at her residence in Federal Way, Wash. She has now joined husband, James. Please join us to celebrate Darlene’s life June 5, 2021, at 5 p.m. Location to be determined.
