Darlene Panike

Darlene Panike, 89, passed away peacefully Jan. 17, 2021 with her family at her side.
 She was born Nov. 4, 1931 in Weiser, Idaho to Walter and Helen Davis Barnett.
 Growing up she lived in Weiser, Henderson, Nev., Gaston and Newberg, Ore. While in high school she worked processing hazelnuts. She graduated from Newberg High School in 1949.
 In 1950, Darlene married John Panike in Reno, Nev. They moved to Cherry Point, North Carolina, where John served in the Marines. They returned to work the family farm on the Oregon Side, where they raised their two children.
 Darlene grew lots of flowers and a big vegetable garden. She canned delicious jams, fruits, and vegetables.
 She was active in the Local Progress Club, Annex PTA, was a 4-H leader, and an election worker.
 When it came to car races Darlene was always there cheering for John from the grandstands. From the old track in Caldwell to Ontario and Meridian Speedways, she never missed a race.
 When the Hitt Mountain Ski Area opened in 1967 John was the manager and Darlene worked in the lodge selling lift tickets.
 In 1973 they moved from the farm to a new home in Weiser. Darlene liked living in town with family and friends nearby.
 When John’s interest turned to tractor pulls she was right there, cheering as he competed. Darlene especially liked attending the dinners that were held after the competitions in Midvale and Greenleaf.
 John and Darlene enjoyed going for car rides in their spare time. They were members of many car clubs through the years. Darlene liked visiting with friends at car shows locally and across the western states. When John drove in parades she was always somewhere along the parade route watching and waving as he went by.
 Darlene especially enjoyed car club “cruises”, some with very interesting destinations.
 Darlene worked as the bookkeeper at Panike Auto Body for over 30 years.
 After John’s passing in 2016, Darlene moved to Indianhead Estates.
 She is survived by her son, Mike Panike, Weiser, Linda (J.C.) Murray, Meridian, granddaughter Sara Murray, Boise, sister-in-law Linda Barnett, Monmouth, Ore., and numerous nieces and nephews.
 A celebration of life will be held in the spring in her honor.