Darlene A. West

Darlene Ann West, 94, lifetime Ellensburg resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the KVH Hospital in Ellensburg. She was laid to rest in a private ceremony at the IOOF Cemetery.

Darlene was born May 28, 1931 in Ellensburg to parents Elmer & Alta (Taylor) Cobain. She grew up in the Kittitas Valley, and graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1949. Darlene and William E. “Ed” West met as teenagers, the couple later married on July 17, 1951. Thursday would have marked their 74th wedding anniversary.

Darlene worked for 33 years at Berry’s local department store. She took great pride in her work as a buyer for the store, a job that suited her sharp eye and strong work ethic. She had a deep love of nature and animals, taking in several strays throughout the years. A skilled gardener, she grew much of her own food and enjoyed hours spent tending to her yard. She had a creative spirit that showed up in the many artistic hobbies she pursued. Every holiday season, she made handmade toys and stuffed animals for local children’s charities, a tradition she carried on for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Ed West; son Rick West, daughter-in law Sue West; granddaughters Natasha Guhl and Brittani Willett and her four great grandchildren: Wylder, Arlo, Harper & Davis. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother, Don Cobain.

Memorial contributions in Darlene’s honor are suggested to the Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue Life Support Fund, P.O. Box 981, Ellensburg WA 98926 or dropped off at the KVFR station at 400 E Mountain View Ave in Ellensburg.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com