Darlene Ann Sutherland

Darlene Sutherland, 89, of Walla Walla, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 16, 2025.

Darlene was born on May 18, 1936, to Vier and Esther Keller in Parma, Idaho. After graduating from Parma High School, she attended Boise Jr. College. Darlene went to work for Boise Cascade in Boise, Idaho.

On a visit to her parents, who were working in Council, Idaho, her dad introduced her to the love of her life, Dean Sutherland. After a very short courtship, they married on December 29, 1957. They had two daughters, Lori and Jo.

Darlene moved with Dean to various towns in Idaho and Oregon for his jobs, finally settling in Dayton, Washington, in 1972, where they operated D. & D. Distributorship until 1991. Darlene worked alongside Dean in the business. She also worked for the Columbia County Treasurer’s office, Sea-First Bank, and lastly the Columbia County Auditor’s Office, retiring in 1998.

Darlene was an avid reader and golfer in her day. She enjoyed listening to Tim McGraw and yelling at the Zags men’s basketball team on the TV, but she got the most happiness being with her family. She loved attending grandson Curtis’ and great-granddaughter Alexis’ sporting events, playing cards, and going on family RV trips. She shared a special relationship with her niece, Carol Glenn. Auntie D showered Carol with lots of loving affection and snuggling.

Darlene spent the last five months of her life living at Brookdale of Walla Walla. While there, she made many friends and was cared for by a dedicated, loving staff.

Survivors include daughters, Lori Sutherland (Annette), Jo LaTour (Steve Carlson); grandchildren, Christina Dein (Jack) and Curtis LaTour; great-grandchildren, Kennedy Khail and Alexis LaTour; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Sutherland, in 1992; her parents, Vier and Esther Keller; and two sisters, Lorraine Schworer and Mildred Naylor.

Per her request, there will be a private interment. Memorial donations may be sent to the Touchet Valley Golf and Recreation, PO Box 54, Dayton WA 99328.