Darlene Hilma Phariss Smith

December 30, 1944 - August 31, 2022

Obituary For Darlene Hilma Phariss Smith

Darlene Hilma Phariss Smith, 77, of Raleigh, NC, peacefully passed away on August 31, 2022. She Was Born in Porterville, CA on December 30, 1944, daughter of the late Walter and Opal Phariss.

Darlene went to school in Porterville and Santa Cruz. After graduating Santa Cruz High School, she attended Cabrillo College. She married in 1963. She was blessed with two daughters in 1964 and 1965. She was blessed with a son in 1974.

She worked for Sylvania in Santa Cruz, went on to work in the family business, Walt’s Bait and Tackle on the Santa Cruz Wharf. In 1981 she went to work for Plantronics, retiring after 30 years.

Darlene loved to read, knit, watch British detective shows, root for the Durham Bulls and spend time with her children.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Gary and Virgil.

She is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Klawitter of Raleigh, NC and Katrina Milburn (Yolanda) of Tehachapi, CA and her son, Steven Young (Christine) of Rocklin, CA. She is survived by four grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She will be laid to rest in Santa Cruz, CA in the spring.

Condolences may be given at www.rfhr.com

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Condolences

September 22, 2022

Steven Young

I will always miss you mom. You taught me how to be a good father cause you were not only my mom but also my father. My love of movies and books comes from you. I will always remember how much you sacrificed for us and will miss you till the end of my days. Until we see each other again. Love you
September 20, 2022

Kimberly Klawitter

I will always miss my Mom. She taught me a love of books, Disney and movies. I will remember all the camping trips as a kid. She loved watching British mysteries and talking about them with me. We talked a lot about the great memories with the family and friends. Mom I love you always.
September 19, 2022

Katrina Klawitter Milburn

My Mom was the greatest. There are so many memories in my heart. Disneyland was always the best when she took all of us. My love for Disney is from her.
September 16, 2022

Carol Smith

Sincere sympathy to Darlene's family. We met while working at Plantronics and together made a lot of super fun memories; one of the best happened to be going to Disneyland. We've shared a lot of fun trips. I missed my traveling companion when she moved and sorely miss her more now.
September 12, 2022

tyler carlson

Just got the word of Darlene's passing-so sorry to hear that. What a sweetie. I worked Darlene for a number of years at Plantronics. Great sense of humor-gone but not forgotten. Tyler Carlson