Velora "Darlene" Mcdougall

Salem, OR. - Darlene (93) was born in Red Oak, IA on October 25, 1926. She was the third of six daughters born to parents Raymond and Elsie (Babb) Stoneking. Darlene grew up on a farm with her five sisters and four older brothers. She often spoke of riding the cows and dancing the jitterbug with her sisters. She had many jobs throughout her life; High School Teacher, Secretary for the Department of Defense during WWII, waitressing, and later became a CNA working as a Home Health Care Provider for over 20 years. Her most memorable accomplishment was raising and caring for her family.  She met the man she would marry and spend over 55 years with on a train from San Diego to Iowa. Darlene and Joe (Joseph/Bud) lived in California, Minnesota and eventually moved to Lyons, OR where they resided for over 50 years. Darlene was involved with the community programs for many years. She was a Teachers Assistant, Cub Scout Leader, and a Little League Mom. She had many artistic talents including sewing, oil painting, crafting Old World Santa’s and selling them at Christmas Bazaars. In the last two years she discovered the love of crocheting stocking caps, donating them to the needy, homeless and everyone she came in contact with. At last count she had made nearly 1,800 hats.    Darlene and Joe were married for 55 years before his passing in 2003. Darlene moved to Salem for a short period of time, then to La Fayette. In 2017 she moved back to Salem and her final residence was at Cedar Village Assisted Living. She looked forward to playing Bingo earning “Cedar Bucks” that she could spend at the “Cedar Auctions” each month.   Darlene is survived by her son Donald (Teresa) McDougall of Stayton, daughter Sandy (Bruce) Teeters of Salem, 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Joe, son John McDougall, daughter Pat Lewis-Hubbard, grandson Troy McDougall, granddaughter Tina Thomas, her parents, four brothers and five sisters.  Darlene will be laid to rest with Joe at the Willamette National Cemetery. At her request there will be no services, just a family gathering once the pandemic is over.  The family would like to thank the staff at Cedar Village Assisted Living for the loving care of their Mother. We are sure she has left a legacy there with her hats and the love of Bingo.   “See you later Mom.”