cho.walqx - Darlene M. Wilder

Cho.cho.walqx - Darlene M. Wilder, 76, Honored Elder of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville, Devoted Wife, Loving Mother & Grandmother and Caring Educator, left us all much too soon on Thursday, July 7, 2022, from Spokane, Washington.

Darlene was born on Wednesday, June 19, 1946, in Nespelem, Washington to Harvey and Ellen Moses. In 1964, Darlene was chosen as Miss Colville Confederated Tribes and went on to be voted 2nd runner-up for Miss Indian America. She graduated from Coulee Dam, Washington High School in 1964 and went on to Eastern Washington University, where she was a member of the choir and graduated with a BA in Art.

On Saturday, April 4 , 1970, Darlene Moses married Ian Wilder in Nespelem, Washington, spending the first five years of their married life as school teachers in Barrow, Alaska.

An active member of the Nez Perce Longhouse and Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Cursillos of Nespelem, Washington, life-member of American Legion Auxiliary - Unit 114, and member of Wenatchee Valley College Board of Trustees; Darlene's was a life of service to others. As an educator with Coulee Dam School District she increased understanding through Indian Culture Classes and working with the Adult Education program. Darlene then went on to a position as Program Coordinator with Colville Tribal Corrections, in which she worked with residents of the tribal correctional facility to obtain their GED and assist them in other ways to improve their lives. She was, "An advocate, giving a voice to those who have none."

Among her many endeavors to help others, Darlene was active with the "Colville Peacemakers Circle", "Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence" and "Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women" organizations. On July 21, 2021, during a visit to Nespelem, Washington State Governor Jay Enslee named Darlene Wilder, "Washingtonian of the Day."

Darlene was very proud of her heritage. Once, Darlene and her son, both dressed in full traditional regalia, walked all throughout the city of St. Louis, Missouri. She loved visiting her Warm Springs and Nez Perce relatives and homelands, gathering foods and medicines and excelled at traditional weaving, painting, and pottery. Darlene loved to cook, with her family and friends most fondly remembering her homemade bread and coleslaw. In life, as with her frequent road trips, "Darlene enjoyed the journey." Darlene will also be fondly remembered by those she knew and loved for her sense of humor that was full of witticisms and quick quips.

Preceded by both of her parents; daughter, Mawe-We-Ta-Lo Wilder and sister, Sharon Moses; Darlene's legacy lives on through her loving husband of 52 years, Ian Wilder; children: McKinley Wilder, Kenneth Wilder, Watchum-yush Wilder, Weep-Tes-Tsi-Muux-Tsi-Muux Wilder (Darlene Seymour), Tmth-Spusmen Wilder (Hannah Tomlinson), and 18 grandchildren.

Darlene's services were held July 12th & 13th , 2022. She was laid to rest at Little Nespelem Cemetery, Nespelem, Washington.

Strate Funeral Home is assisting Darlene's family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.stratefuneral.com.