Darlene Altman

9/26/1931 — 8/23/2025

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Darlene E. Altman, 93, passed away Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, in Spokane.

She was born on Sept. 26, 1931, on a ranch in Malheur County, Ore., to Manuel and Nellie Norman Todhunter, the eighth of nine children. Darlene began her education in a one-room schoolhouse near her home before her family moved to Weiser, Idaho, in 1941, where her father worked for the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1946, the family relocated to Grangeville, where her father worked for Roy Green on a wheat farm.

Darlene attended Grangeville High School, where she was active as a drum majorette and cheerleader, graduating with the class of 1950. Shortly after, on June 11, 1950, she married the love of her life, Glen Altman, in Grangeville. Together they shared 63 years of marriage, building a life centered on family, farming and community.

Darlene and Glen worked side by side operating their farm and ranch, where their hard work was recognized in 1973 when they were named the FHA Farm Family of the Year for the Northern District of Idaho. Both were deeply involved in Farm Bureau, serving in numerous leadership roles. In 1982, Darlene was honored as Farm Wife of the Year for her dedication and contributions to agricultural and community projects.

In 1986, Darlene and Glen opened the Country Memories Museum, which depicted life during the Depression era. Darlene guided countless tours, sharing history with visitors from across the United States, as well as with many schoolchildren, passing along lessons about resilience and history. In 1989, they expanded their endeavors by opening the Red Tag Store, a unique business that offered everything from groceries to furniture and paint.

After selling their Grangeville home in 2005, Darlene and Glen moved to Lewiston, where they continued to enjoy life together until Glen’s passing.

Darlene treasured time with her family, never missing an opportunity to cheer for her sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in wrestling. She was also a devoted fan of the Seattle Mariners, Seattle Seahawks and Gonzaga basketball. A woman of deep faith, she and Glen were longtime members of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Darlene will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her five children: Tim (Adriana), Steve (Validee), Sally Wassmuth (Don), Dan (Carol) and Mark; 16 grandchildren, Matt (Kara), Tyler, Tommy (Ashley) Shane, Adrianna, Alma Delia, Mauricio, Shonie (Roy), Tenille (Geoff), Ben (Laura), Jennifer (Dana), Kyle (Kendra), Nicole (Rick), Chris (Samantha), Kimberlee (Kerry) and Lucrita; 27 great-grandchildren, Bentley, Jake, Genevieve, Lincoln, Evan, Ava, Alivia, Raul, Hannah, Norma, Will, Makenna (Issac), Gage, Rebekah, Charlie, Addie, Maya, Delainey, Jonah, Jenna, Dallon, Todd, Bristol, Charlotte, Clayton, Henry and Reagan; and one great-great-granddaughter, Evelyn. She is also survived by her sister, Jean Martin.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Glen; grandsons Brandon and Josh Rogers; two granddaughters; and seven siblings: Bill, Arleigh, Ray, Naomi Booth, Mary Turnipseed, Ted and Hazel Frazier.

Darlene’s life was one of faith, hard work and devotion to her family and community. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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