Darlene Frances Arndt, 79, a resident of the Gaston community, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026,

at her residence.

Darlene Frances Arndt was born in Forest Grove, Oregon, on August 26, 1946. She was one of

seven children born to Clarence and Christine (Verboort) Haynes. She grew up in Verboort,

Oregon, where she attended Visitation Elementary School before graduating from Banks High

School.

She was united in marriage to Heinz Erwin Arndt of Germany on July 4, 1974, in Visitation

Catholic Church in Verboort, Oregon. After their marriage, they lived briefly in Tigard before

settling on their beloved Gaston farm, where she spent the remainder of her life. Her husband,

Heinz Arndt, preceded her in death in September 2020.

Darlene worked at Tektronix, Sawyers (View-Master), GAF, Fujitsu, Epson, and later Phlogiston.

Of a l the jobs she held, her favorite was being “Grandma Rat.” Her three granddaughters were

the light of her life. Together they created countless adventures, inside jokes, laughter, and

memories that wi l forever live in their hearts. To them, she wasn't just Grandma—she was a best

friend, a safe place, and someone who loved them without limits.

She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, an incredibly proud grandmother, a loyal friend, and the

heart of her family. She loved her family and friends deeply and completely. She loved Christmas

music no matter the season, anything sparkly, and the color red. She adored Thomas Kinkade

paintings, Vaseline glass, family photographs, and the many treasured co lections she gathered

throughout her lifetime. She could never get enough of a hot cup of plain black coffee—no cream,

no sugar, just the way she liked it. She had a remarkable love for animals and nature. She raised

an incredible variety of exotic birds and delighted in hummingbirds, playing with her cats,

watching the koi in her ponds, and welcoming the wild deer that visited her backyard.

Darlene went home to Heaven on the evening of July 22, 2026, in her Gaston home, surrounded

by the family she loved so dearly, fo lowing a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease.

She is survived by her son, David Arndt, of Gaston; her daughter, Heidi Smith, of Forest Grove;

her son-in-law, Matthew Smith; her beloved granddaughters, Madilyn, Katelyn, and Kalina Smith;

and her sister, Lorraine Anderson, of Forest Grove.

Although Alzheimer's changed the last years of her life, it never diminished the love she had for

her family or the love they had for her. She wi l be remembered not for the disease she endured,

but for the beautiful life she lived. She wi l be forever loved and deeply missed.

To send the family a condolence or to sign the online guestbook visit www.fuitenrosehoyt.com

and click on the tribute button