Darlene June Rutledge
Darlene was born on July 8th, 1945, in Havre, Montana to Lucy Morgan and Lester Rutledge. Darlene is the oldest of 6 children.
Darlene grew up and went to school in Chinook, however, she spent quite a bit of time on the family ranch South of Chinook on Lone Tree Bench with her grandparents. The ranch had no electricity or running water. She recalled taking the horses and a wagon to load barrels with water for the house, having daily chores of feeding the chickens and collecting eggs and cooking on a wood stove. She cherished the time spent with her Grandma Grayce and Granddad Claude and delighted her family with stories about growing up in the Bear Paw Mountains. She was proud of her heritage as a third-generation Montanan and as a descendant of Montana homesteaders.
Darlene raised 2 children as a single mother in Lewistown and later Helena. She instilled a sense of “never give up”, “work hard”, “always give back”, and “have fun” in her children. She encouraged them to not take life too seriously and to find the positive in difficult situations.
Darlene was fiercely independent and had a strong work ethic. She worked her way up, retiring from the State of MT, DPPHS as a Supervisor of the Reimbursement Bureau. She was proud of the work done by the bureau and remained in contact with her staff long after retirement.
Darlene was someone that could always be turned to for help. She opened her home and provided shelter for women and their children escaping domestic violence in a time when shelters did not exist. Her children carry memories of holidays spent with others who had no place to go. Her heart was big and she selflessly gave of her time to help others.
Darlene loved animals and has rescued and nurtured many pets during her life. Of note are Missy, Lucky, Indy and Rocky who provided her with invaluable companionship and affection.
Darlene was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and had been sober since September 4, 1979. Darlene would be the first to say that AA saved her life. She found a sense of peace in the AA program that she had been longing for. She met many people over the years in AA that truly became family to her and her children. AA provided her with a sense of community, faith and belonging. She sponsored many women in search of sobriety and never hesitated to be of service to someone in need. She lived by the AA slogans of “Let Go and Let God” and “One Day at a Time”.
Darlene had an adventurous side. She served on the Big Sky Volunteer Ski Patrol for several years and was proud of the advanced medical training she received. She loved to camp and was known to disappear on the weekends, alone with her dog, cat, and camper to Vigilante Campground. She taught her children to fish and spent quality time with them fishing on the banks of Spring Creek in Lewistown. She enjoyed traveling with her father Les, partner Dale, and family, exploring new territory and destinations. One of her favorite things to do in the last few years was to go for rides, take in the beauty of the countryside and look for wildlife with her partner Dale and dog Missy.
Darlene loved to laugh and was skillful at finding joy in moments of sorrow or disappointment. She could be quite silly and playful, and got a kick out of shocking people with her antics!
Darlene was competitive. She enjoyed card games and frequently trounced friends and family in Canasta, Cribbage, Pinochle, Gin Rummy, Ninety-nine, Tripoly or just about any game. She played competitive Bridge across the country and achieved Life Master status.
Darlene was also a terrific cook and baker and loved to try out new recipes. She made an angel food cake from her Grandma Grayce’s recipe that was to die for and made the meanest strawberry rhubarb sauce in the state!
Darlene is survived by her father, Lester Rutledge of Hamilton, son, James Semans of Helena, daughter, Jeni (Mick) Leary of Helena, grandsons Chris Semans, Reilly (Sarah) Leary and Kahner Leary, great grandchildren Aspen, Baylor and Boden Leary. She is also survived by her siblings, Ralph (Diane) Morgan, Claudia Warrick, Harlan (Susan) Morgan, Lee Morgan and Melody (Steele) Maloney as well as many nieces and nephews. Darlene is also survived by her partner and best friend of more than 13 years, Dale Kassler and her dear friend Penny.
Darlene is preceded in death by her mother, Lucy Morgan, her step-father Harlan Morgan and her grandson, Tyson Benson.
Burial will be Friday May 12th at 1:00 pm at the Alice Nash Memorial Cemetery, South of Chinook, MT. A memorial service will be held Monday May 15th at 11:00 am at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena, MT.
Memorials can be made in Darlene’s name to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society or The Friendship Center.
Service Schedule
Burial
1:00 p.m.
Friday May 12, 2023
Alice Nash Memorial Cemetery
South of Chinook, Montana
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m
Monday May 15, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Monday May 15, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Burial
1:00 p.m.
Friday May 12, 2023
Alice Nash Memorial Cemetery
South of Chinook, Montana
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m
Monday May 15, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Monday May 15, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Joe Williams says
I am so sorry to learn of Darlene’s passing. She was both a hard and dedicated worker for the state, and always strove to give her best effort for the taxpayers of Montana. It is no surprise to read that she provided comfort to so many across the years. She was a true believer in redemption, justice and equality. May her memory and God’s grace provide you comfort during this difficult time.
Kally & Cody Tripp says
James & Family – Your mother sounded like such a beautiful person. Hold tight to all of your memories and know that she will always be a part of you. All of our thoughts, prayers and love to you.
Pauline Radcliff says
Darlene thru me a baby shower it was so nice of her. I meet her thru Penny her dear friend. I’am so glad to of known her. She will be missed.
Judy H Griffith says
Darlene was a joyful, loyal and hilariously funny friend for many decades long ago. Though we lost touch when I moved away from Helena, treasured memories of her were never lost. My most sincere condolences to Jeni, her family and to Dale.
Deanna Cain-Ziesman says
I knew your mother while working at PHHS fiscal area. She was a very lovely and sweet lady, and I know she will be missed. My condolences to your family.
Anderson Stevenson Wilke says
My prayers. Rest in Peace.
Susan Merrill Sharpe says
Our sincere sympathy to Darlene’s family. Darlene was truly loved by her grandparents, Lester and Jennie Rutledge, Aunt Ruth Rutledge Merrill and Uncle Angus Merrill. Also Darlene’s first cousins, Susan, Alan and Ralph Merrill all of Big Sandy, Montana.
A special memory for me was when Grandpa and Grandma took me and Darlene on a trip to visit numerous relatives in Oregon and Washington. The final stop was in Colville, Wa. to visit relatives there. More cousins and lots of fun.
We always enjoyed Darlene’s visit to the farm in the summer.