Darlene Marie Goddard

Darlene Marie Goddard Of Graham, Washington peacefully passed away on June 17, 2017, surrounded by her family’s love. Darlene was born on May 21, 1935 in Puyallup, Washington to her parents Kenneth Stewart Laycock and Della Ida Laycock. Darlene’s siblings were Walt Laycock and Trudy Drexler. Darlene attended Bethel High School where she met her sweetheart and husband of 63 years, Donald Branson Goddard. When Don joined the United States Marine Corp, they lived together briefly in Oceanside, California. Upon moving back to Washington State, Darlene and Don started a family with their first child, Duane Branson Goddard. Don and Darlene grew their family with two more sons, Kirk Stewart, and John Bryan Goddard. Their family was finally complete with their only daughter, Kimberly Ann Goddard. Darlene would later become a grandmother to Nicholas and Zachary Smith, sons of Kimberly. Emilie, Mollie and Timothy Goddard were Darlene’s grandchildren from her son Kirk and his wife Joy. Darlene always provided love, warmth and care to her grandchildren. Nicholas and Kayli Smith provided Darlene with her first and only great-grandchild, Jameson Michael Smith. Darlene’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will fondly remember her. Darlene was well known for her dedication to her family and community. She was a retired employee of the Bethel School District and a devoted member of Bethany Lutheran Church. Darlene served for many years as a “Woman of Bethany” where she would cook meals, bake goods, and provide support to countless members of the community. For years, Darlene served as Don’s trusted first-editor for his published writing. Darlene was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2006. Throughout her sickness, her spirit and resolve never wavered. In fact, she would often find ways of making others laugh and bring them comfort. During her fight with Parkinson’s she was surrounded by the loving care of her family. In addition to her husband Don, her sister Trudy, her niece Lila, and her son Duane served as Darlene’s closest caregivers. The loving care and devotion to Darlene helped her enjoy her last years. Many wonderful memories were made and shared during this time. In her final days, Darlene was cared for by Pierce County Hospice. They provided gentle and tender care to Darlene and loving reassurance to the family. Darlene will be forever remembered as a great cook, loving wife, devoted sister, caring mother, adoring aunt, kind-hearted grandmother, and a doting great-grandmother. Though she will be deeply missed, all who knew her will forever remember her comfort and care that she so selflessly and willingly gave to her family and others. A celebration of life will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Graham on June 24, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a gift in Darlene’s memory to the Bethany Lutheran Church Youth Group.