Darlene Manene

Darlene Manene of Spokane, Washington passed away along with her unborn son, on July 14, 2023, in Oakley, Kansas. Darlene was born in Majuro, Marshall Islands to Toeka Amanu and Likbar Amanu on July 16, 1986. She moved to LaGrande, Oregon in 1997 and attended the Lighthouse Apostolic Academy where she graduated in 2004. Darlene married Matthias Manene in 2017 and shortly after they moved to Spokane, Washington to start a church (Spokane Lighthouse Church).

Darlene was a friend to many. She never met a stranger and was an encourager to all her friends. Her love for people was unmatched, and she was a true and loyal individual not only to her family but to everyone that she encountered. She felt strongly about her gratefulness to her husband for being her rock and greatest support. Darlene wore many hats, but one of her greatest accomplishments was becoming a mother to Davian, Hezekiah, and Jaziel. Her children were her pride and joy and held a special place in her heart. Although Darlene just became a mother a few years ago, she mothered her beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins for many years.

Darlene loved being a Bible quizzing coach. After quizzing for many years, she transitioned to coaching. She coached several quiz teams in LaGrande and started her own Bible Quiz Program in Spokane, WA. During her time as a coach for the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church, she led her team to the national championship. She also received Coach of the Year on several occasions. She was proud of her Spokane Lighthouse quiz team and looked forward to leading them to a national championship as well.
Darlene transitioned from this life into the next on her way to Bible Quizzing Nationals in Tulsa, OK. She moved on to heaven serving others and doing what she loved with the people she loved. Her last church service she is seen helping baptize new converts into the Kingdom of God. Darlene never wavered in her faithfulness to the things of God and His people. She loved big, and she loved hard. She was strong in her faith and dedication to the people of God.

Darlene had the heart of a servant. She was selfless and always put others’ needs before her own. She loved to serve people. It is who she was. Undoubtedly, God greeted her at the gates, and she heard him say “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
Darlene is survived by her husband, Matthias Manene; their three sons, Davian, Hezekiah and Jaziel; her siblings: Rosedy Leckenby, Betty Johnson, Rotan Amanu, Tarbwilin Amanu, Eria Amanu, Christon Saimon, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Darlene is preceded in death by her unborn son, mother Likbar Amanu, father Toeka Amanu and brother Christopher Amanu.