Della Mae De Arman

Della Mae DeArman ended her time among us after a stay of over 99 years. She passed peacefully in her Visalia home on August 6, 2022 surrounded by four generations of her family. Della came into this world on June 23, 1923 in Cleburne, Texas, the second child of John and Mamie Owen. She grew up primarily in the west plains of Texas and eastern New Mexico. Della's early years were spent with her older sister Lela Pearl and younger brother Richard. On June 1, 1938, she was married to Daniel George DeArman in Baird, Texas. After she was married, she was blessed with two more siblings, Mary Lou and Jack. In her early adult life, Della and her family lived in Nevada, Washington and Idaho. During this time, Della and Daniel expanded their family by three, a daughter Retha, and two sons Johnny and Daniel. After the untimely passing of Della's father John and her son Johnny, the family headed to California. A stop to visit family in Tulare County in July 1947 resulted in a more permanent situation. Della went to work full time in 1950 at the Olive Company in Visalia where she continued to work until December 1992. She was a proud and active member of the Teamsters Union Local 94 until she retired. During this time she was active in the community with her husband, joining various organizations, including the Swinging Stars Square Dancing group, the Loyal Order of the Moose, and Visalia Oaks season ticket holders. In the early 1970's, Della became interested in flying and obtained her pilot's license. She soon after purchased her own Cessna 172 aircraft and with her co-pilot husband flew all over California and even across the United States. Della was an active member of the USAF Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving as the Commanding Officer of local Squadron 16 for several years. Della continued to fly well into her 80s. After the passing of her husband in 1997, after nearly 60 years of marriage, Della remained active in the community by teaching various classes at the local Red Cross. She also was active in ACS Relay for Life and the Gleeners, as well as remaining an active member of her church. She also continued as a season ticket holder for the Visalia Rawhide until 2019. Having lived a long full life, Della is preceded in death by her husband Daniel and son Johnny, her siblings Lela Pearl Horrocks, Jack Owen, and Mary Lou Steward, as well as her dog Sugar. She is survived by her brother Richard Owen and his wife Donna, of Visalia; her daughter Retha Gomez, of Visalia, son Daniel Ray DeArman, Sr. and his wife Susan of Cottonwood, California, and her sister-in-law Janice Owen, of Visalia. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Maria Gomez, Christina Gomez, John Christopher Gomez, Antonia Roach Coulson, Daniel George DeArman II and Daniel Ray DeArman Jr., eight great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, her nephews Todd Fowler, Steven Steward and James Owen, and her nieces Reta Aguilera, Monica Giles and Diane Wagner, and numerous grand nieces and nephews. Viewing will be held 3:00 PM Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Graveside services will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, August 11th, 2022 at Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W Goshen Ave, Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Della Mae De Arman

June 23, 1923 - August 6, 2022