"God bless you. After I really got to know you I just loved you as the person you were. 1 Tim 6:19-, I am truly sorry for your loss. Godspeed Darlene, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. I had a family member who struggled with her weight for over 70 years. May the God of all comfort be with the family of Darlene. Praying for her family and friends during this difficult time. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Add your message here. R. Darlene Ballard R. Darlene Ballard, 83, of Southaven, Mississippi, passed away at 6:15 pm December 30, 2019 at her residence. She loved spending time with her boys and grandchildren as well. I will LYF Darlene. Perhaps I will meet her in the next life. Your loved one will truly be missed by all and especially her fans. You touched my heart with those words even if they were written for you, I...", "A wonderful actress and an inspiration. Especially at the end when they tried to keep her death from becoming a circus. The acting was so great. She was born December 11, 1949 in Little Rock to James and Jessie Tygart. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here. 28, 2017. Career. So sad to hear of her passing. Read these words of comfort in the book of psalms 116:15. You always had open arms to me from the very beginning. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Darlene seemed to go on living a full life regardless of any obstacles in her way. To the family and friends of Darlene please accept my heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences may you find comfort during this most difficult . Darlene Cates (born Rita Darlene Guthrie; December 13, 1947 – March 26, 2017) was an American actress. Not a dry eye in the house after watching the movie you appeared in, no you never planned on how things turned out, and I wish you knew how inspirational you became to many. I loved watching what's eating Gilbert grape. I saw Darlene's incredible performance the movie in Who is eating Gilbert Grape? Sorry for the loss of your loved one. I am so proud that Darlene Cates conquered more than losing weight, Darlene found "Herself" My deepest condolences to the Family of Darlene and fans. I loved your acting ,you were wonderful. Donald was well known for being a true family man. Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at West Harpeth Funeral Home with Robert Hamilton officiating. Share to let others add their own memories and condolences. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Zella and Ellis Thompson and Lessie Irene Albright and Walker Bill Cates, Sr.; and her sister, Terry Diane Cates. Plant a tree to honor the memory of your loved one. I was so thrilled to actually talk to you. May God take care of her family. As our memories fill our thoughts and our hearts, be strengthened by this assurance:"God is our refuge and strength.....(Psalms 46 :1), May the God of all comfort be with You at this diffcult time. Click to get weekly celebrity death news delivered to your inbox. My deepest and sincere condolences to your families and friends. Prayers for the family during your time of loss. Rest with God. We grew up together in Dumas Texas back in the fifties and sixties. By 2012, Cates had shed 240 pounds and was looking to resume her acting career. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Please accept our most sincere sympathy in the loss of Darlene, My deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Cates. To the Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences for your loss. Shirley Darlene Cates, 70, of Beebe, Arkansas went to be with the Lord Saturday, January 4, 2020. Gilbert Grape is a wonderful movie. Father Tom Walker will preside. Fly high into Jesus arms and be at peace. Accept my condolences. Donald Ray Cates, age 74, of Austin, passed away Friday April 1, 2016. Magnificent work of Art as an actress! We began as acquaintances and then we moved on to friendship. It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through. My condolences to the family of this sweet talented woman. May she rest in peace. I will miss us talking for hours on the phone, crying together, laughing together, sharing our dreams and goals together, and most of all hearing you tell me, "LYF Deb" (Love You Forever). Cates … A great actress and lovely lady who will always be remembered and missed. ( John 11 : 25 ). She brought her character to life in such a way that my heart went out to her. Afterwards, all they could say was how overwhelmed by how kind and beautiful she was. Rest in peace. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was 69. You touched my heart with those words even if they were written for you, I am sure you meant them. My favorite scene in the film: when Momma goes to the courthouse to get Arnie out of jail. Darlene Cates, an actress well-known for her role as the housebound matriarch alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1993 movie "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," died Sunday, March 26, 2017, in Forney, Texas. Peace be with you all..God bless, Please accept my condolences. Mrs. Pardue is preceded in death by her mother, Nora Allen Nall. It is hard to lose a dear loved one, may your precious memories comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time. My classroom was buzzing with excitement in 2013 when we had a Skype interview with Darlene. rest in peace beautiful Angel..you were an inspiration to so many, my heart-felt sympathy and prayers to the Cates family. My condolences to the family of Darlene Cates. Darlene Cates, an actress well-known for her role as the housebound matriarch alongside Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1993 movie "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," died … My deepest condolences to the family of Darlene Cates, May you find comfort in knowing that others share your sorrow. Mary, or Grandmother as everyone knew her, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children. Please allow 24 hours for your entry to be reviewed for appropriate content. She was born on July 22, 1959 in Lynwood, California to parents Nathan and Neta Loftis. Our hearts are saddened by the loss of your dear loved one,she will truly be missed.May all who knew her fond memories bring joy of heart. Darlene was a great person and actor. Author and screenwriter Peter Hedges saw a tape of Cates … Do not hesitate in throwing your anxiety on him so that he may sustain you during this difficult time (1 Peter 5:6,7). May she rest in peace. View images and offer condolences for Richard "Dick" Cates. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. Her sister Sheri Cates … God Bless you , we are praying for you as you mourn her passing.Thank You Darlene for giving heavy people a voice and showing we are human too ! My heartfelt condolences to her family God Bless! The obituary was featured in Legacy on March 28, 2017. Read Complete Obituary Mary Ann Cates Motl passed from this life on June 29, 2018 continuing her quest for heaven, with God as her Maker and Jesus her guide. I offer heartfelt condolences to family and friends on the loss of Darlene. We share your pain.May the Beautiful Memories of your loved one provide solace and strength to you and your family during this difficult time. Our sincere sympathies and condolences goes out to the family and friends of Darlene Cates . You will be dearly missed around the world. Its crazy how I still remember your old phone number by heart. Her other credits include TV episodes on "Picket Fences" and "Touched by an Angel," and the TV movie "Wolf Girl." Although words cannot fully heal the pain, I hope the thought at Hosea 13:14, where God promises to reverse the effects of death, will bring a measure of comfort during this difficult time. She kindly gave us her time, advice and kind words. As a young woman, she … Please accept my prayers and condolences on the loss of your love one. Share Darlene's life story with friends and family. What a courageous, inspirational lady and a marvelous actress Darlene was. We became friends when I was 14. After appearing on Sally Jessy Raphael's talk show, Darlene Cates made her acting debut when she was cast as the mother in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape.' Rest in Eternal Peace Ms. Cates. Darlene Cates passed away on March 26, 2017 at the age of 69. What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Sherry Darlene Pardue- Age 66, passed away October 8, 2020 in Nashville TN. May you also find comfort in God's promise of life without end in Paradise as we all look forward to getting a firm hold on the REAL Life. Dryden Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Darlene Cates, best known for her role as mother Bonnie Grape in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, has died at age 69.. She passed away in her sleep Sunday morning. Darlene Cates, known for playing the mother in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” has died. I fell in love with Darlene Cates when I went to the movie theatre to see What's Eating Gilbert Grape. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage. Rest in peace, Darlene. He was born in Sikeston, Mo. Loved her in role as the mom she was awesome to leo's character . May God grant you comfort during this very difficult time. Job 5:20 with sympathy and love. She was born September 15, 1936 in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the late Gerald and Flora (Davis) Cates. Deepest Condolences to Darlene's family , one of my favorite movies is What is eating gilbert Grape for the fact that as a heavy set woman , i could relate . May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. at my parents' movie-theater in France. A huge heart of gold and angelic. She was a wonderful actress and will be missed by many. Sad news! Fruithurst - Susan D. Cates, 53, died Sunday, December 22, 2013, at her residence. Cates was best known for her critically acclaimed role as Gilbert's mother Bonnie Grape in 1993 hit drama What's Eating Gilbert Grape. Laura. to Albert and Maxine (House) Cates. So sorry to hear of her passing. Pall bearers will be Matt Cates, Sarah Cates-Keller, Danny Cates, Joline Schmaltz-Koosman, Katie Cates and Kevin Ryan. RIP wonderful woman....heartfelt condolences to the Family and Friends.... REST IN HEAVEN TO A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL....MUCH LOVE ❤ TO FAMILY and FRIENDS. May God grant you eternal rest in His Kingdom and I pray to God to also shower your family, friends and fans with serene peace to accept your journey to everlasting life. Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed ), memorial page for Darlene Cates (13 Dec 1947–26 Mar 2017), Find a Grave Memorial no. OBITUARY SUBMITTED BY: Dial and Dudley Funeral Home 4212 Hwy 5 North, Bryant, AR Phone: 501-847-9099 May God guide you through your time of bereavement. She was beautiful inside and out. She seem to have bee a wonderful person. She was born September 29, 1935 to George and Artie Cates in San Angelo, Texas. Cates' acting career ignited after she appeared on an episode of Sally Jessy Raphael (1983), titled "Too Heavy to Leave Their House". She was 69. If you need help finding the right words, view our. So sorry to hear of your passing. She was 69. Sorry to hear Darlene passed away, she was wonderful in Gilbert Grape, may she rest in peace xoxo. I didn't see the talk shows but I love you in What's Eating Gilbert Grape. May the God of all comfort give you strength during this difficult time. A scrapbook photo from the 1993 movie What's Eating Gilbert Grape includes Darlene Cates with her movie "sons" played by Johnny Depp (lower right) and … You were a great actress. Gilbert Grape was a favorite movie of mine. She touched the French audience in such a humble way. I'm a big fan of What's Eating Gilbert Grape. God bless you always. Darlene, it was an honor to meet you and something that we will all remember for a very long time. loved it . Gilbert Grape was one of the best movie's ever. Darlene, you will be missed. I will never forget you. I will also never forget our last conversation we had, our last phone call. Darlene Cates, known for playing the mother in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape,' has died. "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" is one of my favorite films of all time. My deepest Condolences to the family of Darlene Cates may you find Comfort in knowing that others share your sorrow with you, take Comfort in knowing that God keeps those who die in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by her brothers, Wayne Cates and Marvin Cates. RIP! My prayers are with the family. My condolences to the family may the many fond memories and the love of God comfort ya'll. (Philippines 4:7) Also my daughter loved that movie it helped teach compassion. Darlene Cates hopes to lose 100 more lbs., and is optimistic she will act again By Tim Nudd Updated August 09, 2012 08:55 AM Darlene Cates, Actress: What's Eating Gilbert Grape. Obituary. The whole movie was very touching. Rose married Gale Trent Ballard on August 21, 1953 in Mount Vernon. Love you , when i watch the movie again i will be crying for her passing. Very well done. For a multitude of What's Eating Gilbert Grape fans, today is a very sad one indeed with the announcement that main character, Darlene Cates, who played the mother of Gilbert Grape has died aged 69.. Darlene Cates passed away in her sleep Sunday morning at her home in Forney, Texas, her son-in-law, David Morgan, released via a statement to The Associated Press. 177845483, ; Maintained by Find A Grave Cremated, Ashes given to family or friend. Darlene Cates gave an incredible and brave performance that must have been physically and emotionally draining for her. ", "One of my favorite actresses!!! Fellow 'Gilbert Grape' star Leonardo DiCaprio honored his on … Give me MY SON!" One of my favorite actresses!!! U WILL BE IN D ARMS OF D LORD WHO LOVES UNCONDITIONALLY. You're dancing in heaven. Survived by her loving son, Brian Pardue and numerous other family members. Xoxo. My condolences to the families of your loved one. Gilbert Grape is a wonderful movie. Rest in Peace Darlene Cates...and thank you. If you feel for people then you will do the right thing when it comes to treating them well. You will be missed. Darlene Cates, who starred as Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio‘s obese, housebound mother in 1993’s What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, died in her sleep on … Mrs. Cates was a lifelong resident of Cleburne County. Darlene Cates, the mother in the Oscar-nominated 1993 movie “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” has died. Leonardo DiCaprio has paid tribute to actress Darlene Cates who died Sunday at the age of 69.. To Darlene, it seemed an honour. "My SON! Psalms 18:2,6. A Visitation will be held Monday, January 6, 2020 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, IL. May the family find comfort at this sad time. Read Richard "Dick" Cates's obituary, funeral and memorial service information. Hughey Funeral Home Phone: (618) 242-3348 1314 Main Street, P.O. She will be missed! Rest in peace Darlene. Darlene was a faithful member of Logan Street Baptist Church. I truly loved you as if you were a long distance grandmother. Psalms 55:22 . Heartfelt sympathy to the family of Darlene. Darlene Cates, who played Leonardo DiCaprio‘s house-bound mother in the acclaimed 1993 film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, died on March 26.The Texas-native was 69 years old. Actress Darlene Cates has died aged 69. My condolences to the family it's sad to lose someone you love. It means that your friendship truly meant so much to me. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, September 27, at 11:00 AM with a visitation one-hour prior, both at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Cates was born Rita Darlene Guthrie Dec. 13, 1947, in Borger, Texas. Perhaps I will meet her in the next life. It is very consoling to know that our creator sincerely cares for us. RIP Texas has lost a dear friend, wife, mother and fine actress. When a student stepped forward to ask a question, she exclaimed "you are so beautiful!" Interviewing an actor from our film study was really a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity.