Darlene Eleanor Lamping (Ostrum), loving wife, adored Mom to four kids, and sweet Grandma to 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, passed away at home on May 21, 2021.
Darlene was born on December 7, 1935 to Cornelius & Emma (Arthun) Ostrum in Roscoe, MT. She joined older sisters Mardell and Ginger; her younger brother Hubert joined the family later. She grew up on a ranch in Roscoe and attended school in Great Falls at the Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind after losing her hearing from scarlet fever at a very young age. It was here she met the love of her life, Ronald Ralph Lamping, son of Fred and Pearl Lamping of East Helena. They were married November 16, 1958 and remained in Great Falls where they had two children, Rodney and Ronda. Darlene worked at the hospital in the surgical processing unit before they moved to Helena in 1963. Once in Helena, Darlene decided to stay home to raise her children and had two more children, Ronell and Rachel. Even though raising four children kept her busy, she was always willing to help others and happily offered to babysit other kids on a regular basis.
Once her children were grown, she returned to work at USF&G Insurance, retiring at age 58. Following retirement, she remained active in the Montana Association for the Deaf and was involved with the Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind in Great Falls. It was through these organizations she met and connected with many dear friends with whom she would regularly communicate through video chat. She and Ron also attended many deaf conventions and summer camps to see old friends and make new friends.
Darlene loved to shop and quilt. She was a regular and known by name at many stores around town. She was very thoughtful in her creations and always made a point to create personalized quilts for every milestone in the lives of those she loved dearly. Despite her hearing challenge, Darlene found a way to communicate with everyone, she was very social and made friends wherever she went. She remembered everyone and they remembered her, she was truly one of a kind and loved by many. In between her hobbies, Darlene was always available to help and frequently provided babysitting to her grandchildren whom she absolutely adored, and they adored her. She always knew how to make them smile with one of her hugs or silly jokes and faithfully attended their activities and sporting events in and out of town with enthusiasm and excitement. Darlene was known to have no filter, she just said it like it was! Oh Mom!
In 1996 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, then endometrial cancer in 2010. She spent weeks in the hospital undergoing radiation treatment and managed to kick both of her cancers. In 2014, she suffered severe pneumonia for which she spent weeks in the hospital and rehabilitation. Darlene never fully recovered, but she was a fighter. She would give two thumbs up and never let anyone know she was not 100%. It was through strength, tenacity, a will to live and to watch her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow that she overcame these battles.
Darlene’s greatest passion in life was her family and because of that she always made sure everyone got together. It was through example that she instilled the value of family, forgiveness and love into her children and grandchildren. She was the glue that kept us all together and the reason why our family shares a strong foundation of love and togetherness that will be carried on for generations to come. “Pep up and get going” was her saying whenever someone was sad or upset. We will all do our best to follow her many words of wisdom, especially during this time.
In her final weeks, she was tired but when family came to visit, she would light up with the energy, love, joy, and silliness that we all adored about her. Family was everything to her and where she found purpose in life and it carried her to the end of her life with grace.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Ron Lamping, her sister Ginger Wittman, her four children; Rodney (Kate) Lamping, Ronda (John) Jenko, Ronell (Steve) Floding, and Rachel (Doug) Amdahl; all of Helena. Grandchildren; Miranda (Brian) Elliott, Lindsey (Drew) Younker, Sadie and Madison Floding, Kail Amdahl, Tanner (Ally) Amdahl, Emma and Sam Lamping. Great grandchildren; Remmi, Bodie and Raya Younker, Camden and Natalie Elliott. She is also survived by a large extended family of Irvins, Wittmans, Ostrums, and Lampings.
The Family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 28, 2021 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a Funeral Service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Coffee and Desserts will be held in the Social Hall of the funeral home after the service. Burial will take place after the reception.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name are suggested to either: Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind, 3911 Central Ave., Great Falls, MT 59405 or MAD c/o Treasurer, 4213 4th Ave. N., Great Falls, MT 59405. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Darlene.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday May 28, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday May 28, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee and Cookies
Following the service
Friday May 28, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday May 28, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday May 28, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee and Cookies
Following the service
Friday May 28, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Shirley Battershell says
So sorry to hear of Darlene‘s passing. She was always such a friendly welcoming person. She was always willing to help me with my sign language skills.
Mary Kay Bennett says
I loved Darlene so much..we got to visit at the hospital clinic just a few months ago. .we were getting our Covid shots.
Darlene was in my senior exercise class for years..and I always looked forward to her big smile and gentle ways.
We WILL meet again, lovely Angel.
I am so sorry family!
Greg and Cathy Kovich says
Rodney, Rhonda and family,,
We are sorry for your loss of a very special Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lisa Gault says
I’m going to miss Darlene calling me at work just to check in. She was a big influence during my growing up years and I cherish the friendship we had developed when I moved back to Montana several years ago. Her humor and her love for her family was evident in every conversation we had. I’ll miss seeing her laugh and joking with Ron.
Deb W says
Ronell and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Darlene will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Rebecca L Bass says
To The Lamping Family,
What a Beautiful Soul, we had the opportunity of having them as neighbors, when we lived in Montana City.
I’am so grateful, that we got to know them. Our prayers are with your family.
Jon & Becky Bass
Jack and Melody Foster says
What a sweet lady..always a smile and kind word..She will be greatly missed.
Phil & Terry Lamping says
So sorry for your loss. She was a pretty special lady. She always took the time to come and visit with us when we were out and about. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marlene Barbour says
I loved our friendship with the girls & Darlene & Ron, what great people , love to you all.
Brenda Johnson says
I will always have fond memories of growing up next door to the family. The crazy times and Darleen calling us doofy girls. She was an amazing mom to all of us kids. She was definitely part of the village that raised me. What a blessing she was.
Rhonda Robertson says
To Darlene’s family and friends,
I just want to say what a lovely tribute to a very special grand person. I wish I would have had the privlege of knowing her. I hope all the wonderful memories you hold close within your hearts will bring joy, sunshine and peace in all the days to come. Prayers to everyone that knew this beautiful lady.
Rhonda
Connie Phelps says
Ron and family,
I had the privilege of knowing Darlene. Her beautiful spirit and kind heart shined from her eyes. It always made my day when she would drop by the MTAP office to visit me. I know her passing leaves a huge hole in her family, but she will continue to comfort you through the memories you hold dear.
Sean Wines says
Mr. Lamping and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Darlene’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. May the good Lord be with you and provide comfort to you all through this time.
Most Sincerely,
Sean K. Wines
Darlene Miller Scott says
Darlene was such a special person. She was always so friendly and had such a wonderful smile. Heaven has received a beautiful angel. My sincerest sympathy to her family.
Clementine Mehrens says
Such a beautiful tribute for Darlene. She lived an amazing and full life through the dedication and love she showered on family and friends. The Wolf family was blessed by her friendship and will always remember her wonderfully cheerful and fun nature. Our deepest sympathies to Ron and the whole family. May your beautiful memories sustain you through this difficult time.
Love & prayers,
Pete Wolf & Clem, Dave & Nicole Mehrens
Sarah Lukenbill says
Dear Rachel and Lamping family,
My loving thoughts are with you. I am very sorry for your loss. Darlene was so kind and loving, funny, and completely devoted to her family. I have wonderful memories of her and feel honored to have known her.
Sandy Lamping says
Uncle Ron and Family
So sorry to hear about Aunt Darlene’s passing. She was a special lady who had a wonderful smile and a kind word to share with everyone. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her and loved her. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Ted Polette says
Dear Family,
My heart goes out to you for your loss. I will always remember Darlene as my volleyball team’s adoptive grandmother! Lindsay and my twins, Jackie and Sara, loved seeing her in the stands at their volleyball games and she was always first to give them a hug and tell them, “Good job!” whether they won or lost. She had a heart of gold and was loved by all. She is dearly missed! Love to you all.