COCHELL, Wanda Darlene

Wanda Darlene Cochell, 67, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully December 2, 2002. Darlene, as she was affectionately called, was born on August 4, 1935 in Boise, Idaho. She also grew up in Boise where she attended Washington grade school and Boise High. As a young child she demonstrated a gift for writing poetry. Throughout her life she used this gift to inspire others, especially her family. Her growing up years were filled with singing in choirs, performing in plays, running the 100 yard dash in track and being captain of her baseball team. Her favorite vacation spot was McCall, Idaho, where her parents would take her to stay at Mr. Parberry's cabins at Shady Beach. Her experience with "Sharly", the local lake monster, while in a row boat on Payette Lake is still talked about by the family. While in High School she met and befriended Nancy Cochell, who later introduced Darlene to her Navy Veteran brother, "Murphy". Love struck them both and they solemnized their marriage on March 1, 1953. As dad often said, "the babies came faster than the paychecks." Indeed, Darlene became the mother of six children, Karen Kay, Monty James, Perry LaMar, Murphy (who was still born), Kenneth John, and Catherine Ann. Her role as a mother will never be forgotten by her children. Each of them has been divinely inspired by her counsel, touched by her humility, led by her constant optimism, and blessed by her presence. During her life music was very important to her. She could be heard singing and humming most anywhere. Elvis Presly and Engelbert Humperdink were choice musicians to her, but her favorite musician above all was her husband, Murph, who plays the mandolin. For years, she taught dancing lessons at Arthur Murray studios. Later, while a resident at Arizona Acres she directed an eleven piece band. Alcoholics Anonymous was a very important part of her life. She was proud of her 38 years of sobriety. Through the years Darlene sponsored and blessed the lives of countless individuals who were seeking freedom from the disease of alcoholism. Her tender heart, kind mannerisms, loving devotion and gentle persuasion was a beacon of light that brought hope to so many who suffered from this dreaded disease. Darlene was also an active genealogist. She traced her direct family line back to the Mayflower. She spent untold hours researching her roots, compiling family records and preparing family photos for her children and others. Darlene was a convert and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she participated in countless hours of loving service. She and her beloved husband were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Their children were also sealed to their parents. The last few years of her life had not been easy. Cancer inflicted her body and ultimately took her life. In spite of these challenges, she remained steadfast and upbeat. She was often heard saying to her children, "self-pity is a luxury you cannot afford." She truly lived what she preached. Her strength of character, inner-beauty and immortal light continued to shine and grow brighter notwithstanding her physical limitations. Darlene is survived by her eternal companion of 49 years, Millard Fillmore Cochell, her five children and their spouses: Karen Kay and Faunteni Kaufusi of Boise, Idaho Monty James and Jana Cochell of Layton, Utah Perry LaMar and Karen Cochell of Mesa, Arizona Kenneth John and Linda Cochell of Mesa, Arizona Catherine Ann and Mark Schiefelbein of Boise, Idaho and 26 grand children and 5 great-grand children. She is also survived by her parents, who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year, James Ernst and Vera Opal Reed of Mesa, Arizona, and two sisters and respective brother-in-laws, namely Julia H. and Reese Falkner and Twila and Don Greenheck. She was preceded in death by two granddaughters Ashley and Erika. Visitation at Bunker's University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Friday, 12-6-02. Services: Adobe Building, 5620 E. Adobe Street, Mesa, Arizona. Internment: National Memorial Cemetery. The Arizona Republic December 6, 2002 ------------------- Wanda Darlene Cochell, 67, Mesa, Arizona, passed away December 2, 2002. Visitation: Friday, December 6, 2002, Bunker's University Chapel. Services: Saturday, December 7, 2002, Alta Mesa Stake Center. The Arizona Republic December 4, 2002