Darlene Radke was born Dorothy “Darlene” Patterson on July 30, 1933, to Gerrold and Ruth Patterson in Gravette, Arkansas. At the age of 90 she had a minor heart attack and died from pneumonia complications at Alderwood Rehab in Bellingham on December 24, 2023. Darlene graduated from Meridian High School Class of 1951. She was married to Elmer Radke on April 10, 1953, until he passed away on Christmas Day 2018.
They enjoyed being together 65 years raising their four boys and taking many vacations and visiting relatives. They served and worshipped together at Ferndale Holiness Camp. Darlene played the organ at the Bellingham Free Methodist Church for over 25 years and organized many women’s ministry events.
Their 4 sons are Steve (Andrea), Douglas (deceased), Gordon (deceased) and Philip (Fran). Darlene is also survived by 11 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends like “family.”
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Good News Fellowship Church, 1252 W Axton Rd, Ferndale, Washington. Reception to follow.
Memorials in Darlene’s name may be made to the Lighthouse Mission.
This obituary was provided by a community member. Any opinions are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of Whatcom News nor its advertisers or supporters. Information and claims contained within have not been verified.
Whatcom News is honored to publish, at no cost, obituaries of members of the Whatcom County community. Please click here to submit an obituary.
Discover more from Whatcom News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.