Lasting Memories

June Beatrice Darby
June 19, 1921-March 30, 2011
Palo Alto, California

June Beatrice McKell Darby, a resident of Palo Alto for more than 50 years, died on March 30, 2011, after a long and abundant life. Born on June 19, 1921, in Spanish Fork, Utah, June attended Brigham Young University (BYU) where she majored in business and graduated with a B.S. degree in 1944. She received an MBA from Stanford University?s Graduate School of Business in 1952. She held the distinction of being the only female graduate in her class. She married Robert Darby and the Bay Area became her home. In her professional life, June pursued a 25-year career at Emporium, a San Francisco flagship department store, serving at the company headquarters in management over various departments, from research and auditing to merchandise. When Emporium was bought by Federated Department Stores (which converted many locations to Macy?s), she decided to pursue her love of Asian art and furnishings by working for Conrad Imports. A central part of June's life was her faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she attended services each week with the Palo Alto congregation. She served in many capacities, including president of the women?s organization, full-time missionary in Ohio, prop master in drama productions, worker in the Oakland Temple, and leader for the nursery children. June faced challenges with unwavering faith and courage, usually sprinkled with a keen sense of humor and grateful heart. With open generosity, she shared her talents for cooking and sewing, delighting friends by sharing her chocolate decadence cake or savory soups. Her collection of hats and classic Mustang reflected her zest for life. A friend to people of all ages, she especially loved little children. Always keeping games in her home ready to play and telling stories each week to toddlers at church even when confined to a wheelchair, she was known as "Grandma June". During the past year, she lived in Southern California with her faithful caregiver, Halaevalu Tuuholoaki. June is survived by her daughter, Mariel Elizabeth Cashion and her son in law, Charles Miles Cashion of San Jose. June was interred at the Spanish Fork Cemetery in Spanish Fork, Utah.

From Evan
Sept. 26, 2013

June was one of the very finest people I have ever known. I loved her dearly and miss her presence in this life constantly. Kind, good, and faithful, I know that she is resting comfortably in the arms of our Heavenly Father.

From Mark Engebretsen
April 23, 2012

June is a cherished friend for the eternities. Her always inspiring attitude was a beacon of strength to me and all aroud her. She is much loved, and dearly missed.

From Ron Andersen
May 4, 2011

A delightful, faithful lover of life who met life's challenges with maturity and humor. When remembering her gifts, one cannot help but remember her influence on others, including Peggy Hoffman, and her impact in the Church Nursery. I'm sure she's having some wonderful chats with Peggy at this time.

From Lynn and Kathy McKell
April 17, 2011

June was a kind, gracious and inspiring cousin. Though our interactions were infrequent and separated by distance, we love her and we will miss her. As the oldest cousin, she was an important link between generations in our family, and we learned much from her. She was a wonderful example of humility in success, of a spirit willing to serve, and of one who bore adversity with patience and dignity. Many bless her name for her generous help. She deserves rest in the household of God.