Darlene M. (Workman) Thompson

Mrs. Darlene M. (Workman) Thompson, age 82, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 20, 2017, in Kalamazoo, Michigan following a long battle with Dementia.  She was born on November 9, 1934, in Muskegon Heights, Michigan to John and Violet Workman.  On June 26, 1953 she married Donald D. Thompson and celebrated over 63 years of marriage.  Together they raised 6 children in Big Rapids, Michigan where they resided for over 50 years.  They owned and operated Sanitary Cleaners, Dar-V-Don and SBD Holding Company.  Following retirement they moved to Fremont, Michigan and following illness later located to Kalamazoo, Michigan where they were near children, grandchildren and great grand-children.  Generous friendship was shared throughout this difficult period by Wayne and Shirley Balliet, Eleanor Spedowske and Vern and Delores Coe whose letters and cards were very much appreciated.   

Darlene, above all else, loved Jesus Christ, was devoted to studying the Word of God and as a young mother she could often be found on her knees beside her bed or the living room couch praying with her Bible open nearby.  She started her children’s school days with J. Vernon McGee on the radio and led many of her children to a saving knowledge of the Lord personally. 

An accomplished pianist she and her good friend Delores Coe (organist) provided music for the First Baptist Church of Big Rapids, for over 30 years.  Alongside her husband, Don, they and the children would travel to churches throughout Michigan, Indiana and Illinois and share their love of Christ through their musical talents.  Their love for music has passed down through the generations to their children and grandchildren.  Darlene also shared a love for tatting, crocheting and knitting and provided loving memories in the form of afghan’s, doilies and handkerchiefs throughout the years.

Preceding her in death were her parents, John and Violet (Stone) Workman of White Cloud, Michigan; brother and sister-in-law, John (Louise) Workman of Lagrange, Indiana; brother, James Workman of Bloomington, Illinois and her eldest son, Donald D. Thompson Jr., of Big Rapids, Michigan. 

Surviving are her husband, Donald Thompson of Kalamazoo, Michigan; son, Douglas (Debra) Thompson of Lakeview, Michigan; daughters, Diane (Rev. Michael) Dennis of Charlevoix, Michigan; Dawn Paris of Cadillac, Michigan, Darbie (Gary) Sigretto of Owenton, Kentucky and son, Darin Thompson of Fremont, Michigan.  She leaves 18 grandchildren, 36 great grand-children, her brother, Dr. Ronald E. (Sharon) Workman of White Cloud and sister, Janice Workman of Fremont, Michigan along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Darlene’s life will be held at the River Ridge Resort Clubhouse located at 22265 8 Mile Road, Stanwood, Michigan on Saturday, April 22nd, 2017, from 2pm – 4pm.  Friends of Darlene and Don are welcome to stop and visit.  

In lieu of flowers charitable donations may be made to:

Interim Ministries International, 330 Van Buren Street, Hudsonville, MI  49426  (www.imisos.org)  or

The Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan, Alzheimer’s Research and Support (www.supportbrightfocus.org)

A graveside service will take place for the immediate family only at the Pine Plains Cemetery in Colfax Township, Big Rapids, Michigan.  Arrangements entrusted to the Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home of Fremont, Michigan. Individuals may sign the online guest and memory book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.

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