Winifred "Darline" George's Obituary
Winifred ‘Darline’ George was granted her angel wings on July 14, 2014. Her final days were spent at her sister’s home, in St. Helens, surrounded by her loving family. Darline’s strong will to live; unwavering faith in God; and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through a four month, valiant struggle, with cancer.
Darline was born to Francis and Berniece Gunn; on March 30, 1950; in Kyoto Honshu, Japan. Darline was the fourth child born, into a family of nine children. Her father’s military career moved the family from Japan to Fort Riley, Kansas; before settling back in St. Helens, Oregon.
After graduating from St. Helens High School in 1969, Darline went on to join the U.S. Army, where she served from August 1969 to February 1972. Darline married Dwayne Kaptur in August, 1973. From that union came her two loving children Angela and Stephen.
Darline began a long career with Kaiser Permanente, as a medical technician, in 1973 until she retired in 2004. After her retirement from Kaiser, Darline began to “fill in” with the St. Helens Legacy Lab which turned into a long time position, where she remained employed until her health forced her to resign in the spring of 2014.
Standing only 4 feet 11 inches tall, Darline stood tall in her faith; leading Sunday morning worship for her mother and family; writing and recording songs of faith, and even baptizing her Great Uncle, at his request. Possessing a true servant’s heart, Darline grew out her hair, numerous times, to have it cut and donated to the “Locks of Love” organization. A woman of faith and the heart of the family, Darline shaped their spirituality by her tireless Christian example.
Family was Darline’s passion and delight. At her Trenholm home she enjoyed gardening, especially working the potatoes with her grandson Stevie; cheering on her son, Stephen, Saturday nights at the Columbia County Raceway; and the family’s Sunday night dinners.
Darline is preceded in death by her father, Francis Gunn; grandparents, Nobel and Maude VanDolah; aunts, Elizabeth “Babe” White, Harriet King, Amelia “Beans” Bloomer; uncle, Marion VanDolah; and cousin, Laura Wahl.
Darline is survived by her mother, Berniece Gunn; daughter, Angela Etheredge; son, Stephen Kaptur; husband, David George; brothers Wesley Cameron, Johnny Gunn, Fritz Gunn, and Ed Gunn; sisters, Frances Anderson, Jeannie Gunn, Mary Gunn, and Teresa Coy. Darline also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Stevie Kaptur, Wyatt Kaptur, Shonetta Kaptur, and Emily Etheredge; as well as, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved aunts and uncles.
She leaves all her children, grandchildren, and family with the knowledge that they were truly loved and they know that she loved the Lord.
A viewing is scheduled at the Columbia Funeral Home on Monday, July 21st from 1-7pm. Services will be held on Tuesday, July 22nd at one o’clock, at the St. Helens Foursquare Church. Graveside services to follow at Columbia Memorial Gardens with a reception held afterwards again, at the Foursquare Church.
Memorial donations, in memory of Darline, may be made to the Columbia County Food Bank at 474 Milton Way; St. Helens, Oregon, 97051 or [email protected].
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