Darlene Thompson

Darlene "Punky" Thompson gained her wings surrounded by family at the age of 92 on May 11, 2026.

Darlene was born April 2, 1934 in Yakima, WA to William & Gertrude Sonnabend and was the youngest of 13 children.

She married her high school sweetheart John R. Thompson Jr. in 1952. They moved to Salinas, CA in 1962. They had 7 children and were married for 37 years before John's death in 1990.

Darlene is preceded in death by husband John R. Thompson Jr, her daughter Kyle Hatch, her son John Thompson III, her granddaughter Kylie Casada, her parents, and all of her siblings. She is survived by her sons and wives Gary & Melody Thompson of Visalia, CA, Ricky & Tracy Thompson of Citrus Heights, CA. Her daughters and husbands, Randy & Santos Sacayanan of Salinas, CA, Misty & Bryan Thompson Casada of Fair Oaks, CA, Kristy & Shannon Bachart of Weatherford, TX.

She was blessed with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren which is well over 40 at last count- as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation: May 19th, 2026 at Healey's Mortuary 9 am -10:30 am

Funeral Service: May 19th, 2026 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Celebration of Life: Salinas Sports Complex Rodeo Room 1034 N. Main St. Salinas, CA, 93906 1 pm - 5 pm