Darlene Sybert’s life was one of family, faith and education, and she lived it with purpose and zeal. She is loved and missed by all who knew her.
Darlene was the second of three daughters born to Cora Belle and Homer of St. Joseph, Missouri. When Darlene was 3, her father passed, and her mother worked hard as a single mother to raise her girls. Fortunately, aunts, uncles and cousins living nearby made for memorable family times, and wonderful grandparents made the holidays a joy.
From her childhood, Darlene was an avid reader and an excellent student. She edited the Sweetwater High School student newspaper and was a National Merit Scholarship winner. Darlene attended San Diego State College, married Allen Matson and moved to Bend, Oregon. A few years later, they moved to Centralia, Washington. Undeterred in her academic zeal, Darlene managed — while raising three boys — to earn her bachelor’s degree.
Single again, Darlene continued the responsibilities before her, finding support at her church in Centralia. Later, she married a man from her church and moved to Cinebar, Washington, where they built the house that was Darlene’s home until her passing.
Darlene’s academic zeal continued unabated, and a sojourn at the University of Missouri earned her both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Literature. She taught Freshman English along the way — and loved it. Returning home to Cinebar, Darlene served as an eminently qualified and in-demand substitute teacher until 2023. She was loved and respected by students and staff alike.
Darlene’s enthusiasm and industry weren’t limited to education. Darlene planted vegetable and flower gardens on her property, picked wild berries, baked pies, watched animals and birds, and installed myriad bird feeders. She loved gazing at the magnificent trees growing on her rural Lewis County property.
Darlene loved her friends and her church. She nearly single-handedly brought order and beauty to the Shoestring Valley Community Church library, and she served faithfully on the Global Outreach Team.
Darlene was preceded in death by her sister Donna, granddaughter Winona and son David. She is survived by her sister Sharon (California); sons Brice (Missouri) and Mark (Florida); niece Jo Ann (Washington); grandson Caske James; and many grateful friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at Shoestring Valley Community Church (Onalaska, Washington) at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. All are welcome to come honor a life well lived.
