Darleen Elaine Gamble age 66 of East Helena, passed away on March 23, 2011 at St. Peter’s Hospital. She was born April 10, 1944 to William R. and Irene J. (Nelson) DuCette in Seattle, Washington.
Darleen attended grade school and graduated at Coulee Dam High School in Coulee Dam, Washington. She was primarily a homemaker at various locations as a result of being the wife of a career Air Force man, but she had also been employed for many years at Service Merchandise in Tallahassee, Florida, and at the American Bank in Livingston, Montana. Darleen had many hobbies she enjoyed which included photography, quilting, painting, gardening and shopping. But most of all her family was her greatest joy.
Darleen was a very active member of the Hannaford Street Bible Church in Helena. She enjoy assisting with various activities such as the Master’s Touch; Sewers and Reapers; having Bible study in her home; and preparing and delivering baby baskets for new babies born into church families.
She was preceded in death by her son, Doyle Gamble; her father, William DuCette; sister, Barbara DuCette; and brothers-in-law, Jerry Best and Bob Brown. Darleen is survived by her husband of 38 years, Dale R. Gamble of East Helena; her children, Michael J. Gamble of Natal, Brazil and Terrell G. Gamble of Shreveport, LA; her mother, Irene DuCette of Wenatchee, Washington; brothers, Gordon DuCette (Debi) of Oregon City, Oregon, and Donald DuCette (Cindy) of Kalamath Falls, Oregon; sisters, Cindy Best of Sagle, Idaho, Bobbi Brown of Brandon, Florida, Patti (Pete) Mahlum of Kelso, Washington, Janice (Dennis) Hendricks of East Wenatchee, Washington, and Marian DuCette of Carson City, Nevada. Also surviving Darleen are three grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m., Mon., March 28, 2011, at the Hannaford Street Bible Church, 830 N. Hannaford St. in Helena. A reception will follow the services at the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Darleen’s name to St. Peter’s Hospital Cancer Treatment Center, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601; American Cancer Society, 1903 Central Avenue, Billings, MT 59102; American Diabetes Assoc., 7 W. 6th Ave., Helena, MT 59601 or to the American Heart Assc., 1831 Euclid Ave., Helena, MT 59601. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Darleen, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Bonnie & Curt Nelson says
Dear Dale & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Darleen was such a wonderful, caring person. We were very blessed to have had her in our lives even for a short time and we will never forget her.
Cherie Dahl says
By my phone is a sticky note with Darleen’s number, reminding me to enter it in my new phone list. It’s still there, I just can’t throw it away yet. As I dry my hands I realize that I’m using the beutiful towel that Darleen made “just because”. In my linen closet are the cutest embroidered Christmas towels that she gave me for Christmas. As I crawl into bed I pick up the book I’ve been reading. My husband ask “where did you get that book?” “Darleen.” And then there were our weekly “counseling” session every Friday as we walked our three miles in the mall. These are the tokens of one of the most generous women I have met and then to have her as one of my best friends. What a blessing!
Candace Wattnem Ahl says
Michael,
I am sorry to hear about your mother. I don’t know if your remember me but I went to high school with your for a while.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Take Care.
Connie Holt says
Dear Dale and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God and warm memories bless and comfort you.
God bless and keep you, Connie
Diane Herrick says
Dale and Family:
Darleen was such a special, wonderful woman and friend. I will always miss her, but I know that she is in a better place, and she is not in pain. I appreciated Darleen’s sense of humor, her generous heart, her love of God’s creation, her hospitality, her creativity with paint and fabric, and her love for God and her family. She was always fun to be around.
Emmett & Karen Foster says
Dale, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Darlene was a wonderful lady with so many talents. May the wonderful memories bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. May God’s presence bring you all comfort during this difficult time.
Wes and Penne Johnson says
Dale, we’re so sorry to hear about Darleen. Life seems to change on a dime at times. Know that we are thinking of you and yours.
Wes and Penne Johnson 68
Cheri Raulston says
I was shocked to here of the passing of Darleen. She has touched many hearts and will be greatly missed by all that new her. I attended Sewers and Reepers with her and we had many fun classes. She came into JoAnn’s a lot because she loved to quilt. She will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to her family and friends.
Windy Knutson says
Dale,
Our hearts go out to you. I’m so sorry to hear about Darleen. If you need anything please let me know. I’m here for you. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Windy, Aaron and Dustin Knutson
Lindie Gibson says
Dale and family, My sincere condolences to each of you in your untimely loss. May your memories bring you peace and may God’s presence bring you comfort….
Leetah Stanley says
Thinking about you Dale, Mike, Terry and families: Grieving and hurting with you over the loss of Aunt Darleen and rejoicing that it’s a temporary separation…
Patty and Bill Kamrath says
Dear Dale,
We want so much to be there with you and your family, but we are in WA. Our love, caring and thoughts are with you as you celebrate Darleen’s life. We will be there in spirit and thought.
Marie Mar says
Dale: My thoughts and prayers are with you and my deepest sympathy at the loss of your beloved wife. It is hard when it is expected, but when it is not, it must be devastating. Your pain will linger longer then you’d like, but in time it will disolve into beautiful memories.Reach out to the people who offer you support.
Larry and Mary Walsh says
Dale Mary and I are truly sorry for the loss of your lovely wife Darlene. As I told you on the telephone if you need to get away for a while you are certainly welcome to come and visit us.
Frank & Sharon Greene says
I`m sorry for your loss
Amber Gamble says
I love you Mom. I’m glad I touched shoulders with you.
Larry Shorthill says
Dale and family,
My sincerest sympathies for all of you at this time. Darleen’s recent travails touched my heart and her passing gave me great sorrow. Dale, I didn’t know Darleen personally, but I know what a wonderful person, wife, and mother she was. Please let me know if there is anything at all that I can do for you at this time.
Larry and Nancy Shorthill
Roy and Joan Robinson says
Dale our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I didn’t know Darleen but I know she was a wonderful person.
Roy