November 16, 1942 – May 16, 2023

Darlene (Ironmonger) Rutt, a longtime resident of both Maple Valley and Auburn, passed away, May 16, 2023, after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She had recently moved to Spokane to be closer to her son and grandchildren after the passing of her mother.

Darlene was born in Hillcrest, Alberta, Canada on November 16, 1942, to Samuel and Dorothy Ironmonger. The second child of five, and the only daughter, Darlene and her family immigrated to the United States in 1954, settling in Bellingham, Washington. Darlene attended Bellingham High School, and after graduating in 1961, started her career in banking at Bellingham National Bank. She met her first husband, Jeff Markel, through her brother Gordon. Darlene and Jeff were married in 1964, and seeking a better opportunity, followed other family members to Auburn. After two children and many years together, they divorced in 1989. A few years later, Darlene met and married Jake Rutt. They moved to the Maple Valley area in 1993 and made many friends and acquaintances. Darlene and Jake divorced in 2019, and she moved back to Auburn to take care of her mother Dorothy. After her mother passed, she moved to Spokane.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Dorothy, and her brothers Gordon and Harold. She is survived by her brothers David and Robert; her children, Carrie McPherson and Chad Markel; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several cousins, one niece and three nephews.

Darlene was known for her beauty and grace. She had the kindest of hearts and was very strong in her faith. Everywhere Darlene went she made friends. Her family and unwavering faith guided her throughout her life. She will be greatly missed by all.