Darrelyn McDermott

Surrounded by her children and husband, Darrelyn McDermott passed peacefully away on Nov. 24, 2018. Darrelyn was born to Ruth and Richard Owens on May 17, 1938.

She is survived by her devoted husband Elroy; her daughters Christie L. McDermott, Shelly Tracy (Von Tracy), Elizabeth Jones (Craig Johnson), Lorraine Jones (Loyal Allen) her son, Patrick E McDermott (Angie McDermott), and her 19 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her six sisters and four brothers.

Her early years were spent working hard on the family farm, riding horses and enjoying every morsel of the delicious food her mother prepared. She appeared in theatrical productions at Preston High School and later in college. She graduated from high school in June of 1956.

Darrelyn met the love of her life, Elroy McDermott, in December 1956 after he had returned from a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was so impressed with his integrity, loving nature and testimony of Jesus Christ that she said “Yes!” They were married and sealed for time and eternity on June 14, 1957 in Logan, Utah.

Darrelyn’s educational dreams were slowed while she cared for their children and helped to support the family, while Elroy obtained his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. Education has always been a priority for her, and even though her schedule was busy, she managed to take courses towards her general education requirements.

In 1965 the McDermott family moved to Cheney where Elroy accepted a teaching position at Eastern Washington State College. She continued her education at Eastern and graduated with a degree in Education (1978), then, a master’s in English literature (1992).

While at Eastern she sang with the concert choir, had a leading role in a theatrical performance, and graduated with highest honors.

Upon graduating, she went to work at Cheney High School. Darrelyn loved her students and colleagues and was recognized for the warmth and encouragement which existed in her classroom. Her love of learning was contagious for her students.

After 34 years at CHS, Darrelyn retired from the classroom and began writing a book. Her literary novel was completed in 2018 and has received a positive response from a publisher.

What set Darrelyn apart was her love for others, her love for her husband, and her love for her Savior. Her life emulated her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, always striving to serve and to love as He has. At the end of her life Darrelyn had faith she would return to her heavenly home, with loved ones who have gone on before and waiting to be reunited with her loving husband and family.

Funeral services will be held on Dec. 1, 2018 at noon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10405 W. Melville Road, located across from the Fairways Golf Course. If you would like to make a donation in Darrelyn’s name, please do so to Cheney High School’s library fund. Visit her online guestbook at cheneyfuneral.com.