Darlene Edith Thomas

Darlene Edith Thomas, 83, Peoria, went to be with the Lord on July 20, 2018. Born on May 27, 1935 in Waterloo, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Mabel Coates. She grew up helping her parents with a small farm and caring for a few farm animals. She became especially fond of a horse named ‘smokey’. Darlene had two brothers, her older brother Donald and a younger brother David. She often teased her younger brother about being ‘mom’s favorite’. She graduated from New Hartford High School. In high school, she met the love of her life Verdell Thomas. They were married on January 23, 1954 and celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year. They had three sons Dennis, Kevin and Brian.

They moved to Arizona in 1962 and never looked back. Darlene loved Arizona and called it home immediately. When her boys reached school age, she went to work at the school cafeteria and then worked in a local doctor’s office. She loved her family and gave her sons a solid, down to earth foundation for adulthood. As her sons grew up and she had grandchildren, they became very special to her. She enjoyed going on vacations with them and watching them grow up to be happy, healthy adults.

She loved southwestern décor and spending time in Sedona. While they traveled throughout the United States, she still loved Sedona more than anywhere else they visited.

Darlene was a good cook and loved to bake. She had some specialty dishes that other family members have tried to duplicate. Everyone loved her German chocolate cake and fudge squares.

She was an active member of the Mission Bell Methodist Church and participated in many church activities. While living at Westbrook Village she was active in the ceramics club and made many outstanding pieces.

Darlene had several lifetime friends. Many who have pre-deceased her, but she had faith that they will be reunited again. If you were a friend of Darlene’s, you were a friend for life. The Thomas family has celebrated Thanksgiving with the Gott family for over 60 years with less than 5 years missed in that time. Darlene used to prepare these meals with all her signature dishes, which the next generation tries to duplicate each year to carry on the tradition.

Darlene is survived by her husband Verdell, sons Dennis (Colleen), Kevin (Donna), Brian (Patricia). Ten grandchildren Tiffany (Kevin), Taryn (James), Amanda, Max, Melanie (Alex), Lisa, Mark (Niki), John (Jessie), Brandon and Kayla (Kyle). And seven great-grandchildren, Will, Connor, Megan, Ben, Evie, Grace and Jacob.

In addition to her parents, she is pre-deceased by her step-father Harley Cedarburg, her brother Donald and sister in laws Esther and Patty Coates.

A celebration of life will be held at the Mission Bell Methodist Church, 4645 West Bell Road, Glendale, AZ 85308 on July 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mission Bell Methodist Church or Hospice of the Valley are appreciated.