Darlene H. Burton, 80, of Pullman, passed away July 18, 2017 at Good Samaritan Village in Moscow, ID surrounded by her family. Darlene was born Oct. 29, 1936 in Ellensburg, WA to James & Mildred (Zier) Hepburn. She grew up and attended school in Ellensburg and following graduation from high school Darlene attended Central Washington University. She completed her medical record librarian studies at Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane and moved to Moses Lake where she began her career at the Moses Lake Hospital. It was there that she met James Burton and they married in Moses Lake on July 11, 1959. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary last week. They moved to Pullman in 1959 and Darlene began her distinguished career at Pullman Memorial Hospital. Following a 37 year career she retired as the director of medical records. Darlene was an active member of the Pullman community who enjoyed her support of Jefferson Elementary School. She was instrumental in the purchase of all the new playground equipment at the school. Through the years Darlene was involved significantly with the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She and daughter Carla traveled together to different sorority conferences throughout the country. Her interests included reading and dancing. Darlene and James were very involved over the years in the Pullman Dance Club. They enjoyed traveling together including trips to Hawaii, the east coast and Florida. Several trips to Disneyland made for many fond family memories. Darlene was an avid Cougar fan. She so enjoyed attending all games, especially football. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister and devoted friend. She is survived by her husband James at the family home; daughter Carla Burton and her significant other Daren Keifer of Pullman and her sisters Lois Polly & Betty Hayden. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017 at 10 AM at Kimball Funeral Home in Pullman, WA. Memorial donations are suggested to the Whitman County Fire Dist. 12, West 912 Main St., Pullman, WA 99163.
