D. Darlene “Babe” Yoder (Jones)

D. Darlene “Babe” Yoder (Jones) passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on July 28, 2026, at the age of 85.

She was born in Silverton, Oregon, the oldest of three children, to David and Viola Jones. Darlene lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility and kindness, devoted to serving her family and those she loved. She never sought recognition, believing instead that the greatest acts of service were often the ones done quietly and faithfully. For more than 35 years she taught the twos and threes Sunday school classes at Copalis Community Church and Faith Community Church, considering it a privilege to introduce young children to God’s love.

She took great pride in caring for her home, which was always warm, welcoming and impeccably kept. She found joy in creating a place where her family felt loved and cared for. Darlene also worked outside the home, using her gifts in organization and bookkeeping to manage the many business adventures of her husband Gil including real estate, construction, and motel management to name just a few.

Darlene cherished her family and is survived by her husband of 66 years, Gil Yoder, daughters Jacki (Greg) Fish and Jill Burgher, grandchildren Ashley (Daniel) Weatherford, Beth Lewis, Bryan (Natalie) Burgher and Justin (Lauren) Burgher and the joys of her life her 11 great-grandchildren, as well as brother Duane (Kathy) Jones, and sisters-in-law Judy Yoder and Susan Jones. She was preceded in death by brother Richard Jones and brother-in-law Robert Yoder.

Her life was a beautiful example of her key verse found displayed on her desk:

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12a “Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you for you yourself have been taught by God to love each other … Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: you should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders.”

Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices knowing she is now singing her favorite southern gospel hymns in the presence of her Lord.

A celebration of her life will be held at Westwood Baptist Church in Olympia, Washington on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 2 p.m.