Darene “Dee” Skelton was born in Grangeville on April 26, 1945, to Arthur and Catherine “Cappy” Skelton. She passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, at the age of 80. Arthur passed away when Dee was very young and Cappy remarried Ben Cummings Sr. As a result, Dee and Ben had a close relationship, much like that of a father and daughter.
Dee was raised in Lewiston and grew up spending summers at the beloved family cabins in the Payette National Forest. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1963. Following high school she moved to Spokane for a few years and attended Kinman Business College. She returned to Lewiston and went to work for Charles Sharp, Attorney at Law, in Clarkston.
She married Donald Solom on Sept. 21, 1974, and they were married until her passing. Dee had four children, whom she dedicated her life to and loved with all of her heart and soul. Her children always knew they could go to her for advice, a shoulder to cry on, comfort, or a good laugh when needed.
Dee retired from Alliance Title and Escrow after 40 years as a title officer. She thoroughly enjoyed her job and was a go-to person for people needing to research complicated real estate ownership.
Dee loved horses, all types of animals and kissing chubby babies on their eyelids. She enjoyed fishing and tending to her numerous flower beds. She was a born-again Christian and was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Lewiston. Her family knows they will see her again in Heaven.
Dee was preceded in death by her mother, Cappy Skelton, her father Arthur Skelton, stepfather Ben Cummings Sr., and brother Dennis Skelton. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Donald Solom of Lewiston; her brother Ben Cummings Jr. of Lewiston; her children: Jodi Ellington of Berkley Hills, Calif., Kelly Wassmuth of Lewiston, Benjamin Solom of Lewiston, Rebecca Solom of Spokane; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
No public service will be held at Dee’s request. A private ceremony to scatter ashes will be held at Dee’s favorite place in the Payette National Forest.
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