Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Sept. 6, 1921 — Dec. 8, 2016

Darlene Lorraine Olson Ashbaugh, 95, shot straight to heaven on Dec. 8, 2016, after a long illness. Her devotion to family, both here and long-gone, and her firm belief in God, supported her in her struggle, and ultimately gave her peace.

Darlene was born to the late Oscar Olaf Olson and Ailen Svenson, who built a house in Grays River, Washington, where they lived with their five daughters, Viola, Helen, Eileen, Athalie and Darlene. Darlene was the last of the five, and as she said, was her father's last hope of having a son. She attended a one-room school house, and lived a rich life filled with friends and family.

Darlene was blessed with her own loving family. She married Lowell Ashbaugh several years after asking him for a ride home from St. John's Episcopal Church in Portland, Oregon. Before their union, she served as a registered nurse and second lieutenant on a U.S. Army train, transporting wounded World War II soldiers to hospitals closest to their families.

She worked in Reno, Nevada, while living with her recently widowed sister, Athalie. She worked at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon, until her retirement in 1986. She remained lifelong friends with her classmates, co-workers and friends, some of whom served as her daughter's godparents.

Darlene and Lowell adopted a daughter, Denese Lorraine, in 1957. They lived in Portland, Oregon, for years, during which Denese learned from her mother to love everyone, never leave anyone behind, take care of the vulnerable, rescue lost animals, and plant things and help them grow. She also learned to speak her mind.

Denese married Richard Vlosky in 1983, and welcomed two children, Daniel Jung Il and James Lowell, who made Darlene's life complete.

Despite Denese living across the country, "Grammy" and "Papa" visited four times a year for a month at a time, and on-demand in case of emergencies, of which there were many. She took good care of and ministered to her child, her son-in-law, and two dear grandchildren. She felt grateful to be alive to get to know great-grandchildren Kellan Cole and Kyra Leigh, who arrived on the scene shortly after Papa's death.

She and Lowell moved to Baton Rouge in an addition on Denese and Rich's house 12 years ago, due to Lowell's declining health. Darlene found fellowship at St. Alban's on the Louisiana State University campus, which made Baton Rouge her "home." After her Alzheimer's diagnosis, which required assistance by devoted caregivers, she still managed to attend services and monthly luncheons with dear friends made through the church.

She died in the loving care of the Hospice of Baton Rouge. The family will never forget their dedication and the loving attention they showed Darlene in her final days.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Denese and her husband, Richard Vlosky; her two grandchildren, Daniel and James; and two great-grandchildren, Kellan and Kyra. She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, a nephew, and her husband.

A service will be held at St. Alban's Episcopal Chapel in Baton Rouge on Saturday, Jan. 7. In February, her family will take her home to be laid to rest next to Lowell at the Portland Memorial Mausoleum.

The family respectfully declines flowers. Instead, donations to St. Alban's and the Hospice of Baton Rouge would be appreciated.

The Astorian (Astoria, OR)

Dec 28, 2016