Darleen Stone, age 77, of Miles City, MT passed away at her home on Friday, December 30, 2016. She had struggled with cardiovascular disease, which increasingly became worse.
Darleen A’Dell Hayden was born to Paul and Rilla Hayden on April 13, 1939 in La Grande, Oregon. Darleen and her younger sister were adopted by John Kerr in 1947 and enjoyed ranch life at the Kerr Ranch on the Big Dry at Van Norman. She spent her summers out on the range in a sheep wagon with her dog and horse herding the sheep. In 1957, Darleen graduated from Garfield County High School and then attended nursing school in Aberdeen, SD in the fall of 1957. She married Gary Stone on April 11, 1959 in Miles City, MT by Father Monseigneur Hennessey. They moved to Missoula, MT where their first son, Gary Lee, was born. Shortly thereafter, they moved back to the Kerr Ranch in Van Norman. Darleen was blessed with three more children during her time on the Ranch. In 1974 the Ranch was sold and the family moved to Kinsey, MT. In 1985 Darleen and her family moved into Miles City to the Dent Addition. She enjoyed a trip to Europe in 1987, visiting the British Isles. After her kids were raised, she was employed by Miles City Pack and later by Eagles Manor. In 2002, her husband, Gary, passed away. She was an active volunteer for Custer County Soup Kitchen and animal welfare. In January 16, 2007 she married Wilbur Morton in Miles City, MT. They enjoyed gardening and dancing together. Darleen enjoyed many hobbies like photography, candle making, listening to music, yoga, and exercising at Curves. She especially loved dancing and fiddle music.
Darleen is survived by her younger sister Eleanor Hafla and children Gary (Lea) Stone, Jr. , Regger(Rick) Louie, Amber(Tom) Millay, and Brady(Jodi) Stone. Her surviving grandkids are Quentin (Danelle) Stone, Jackie(Justin) Dighans, Marcy(Jeremy) Stradley, Nicholas Louie, Emily Louie, Sarah Louie, Sydney Hodgson, Garrett Hodgson, Erica Millay, J.T. Millay, Abigail Stone, and Maggie Stone and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and her good friend Dick Moore. She is preceded in death by Gary Lee Stone, John Alexander Kerr, Rilla Barker Malchoff, Laurie (Brian) Kolka, and Wilbur Morton, and Elmer Malchoff., and Paul Hayden.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Custer County Soup Kitchen.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday January 5, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Custer County Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday January 5, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Miles City. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Martha Crandall says
my sympathy
Kim Smarsh says
My deepest sympathy to Darleen’s family. She had a heart of gold.
Ruben aand June Opp says
Our deepest sympathy to all the Stone Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time in the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. May God bless and comfort you all now and in the days ahead.
Ruben and June Opp
Linda Hodgson says
So sorry, I got to know Darlene when I worked at the bank. Very nice lady.
Chad Irion says
Brady and Jody I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. She always had a smile and a kind word whenever I ran into her.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Darlene’s Family,
So sorry to see that Darlene had passed away, We were neighbors for many years at Van Norman, and I always enjoyed visiting with her whenever I seen her in Miles City. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
Glen and Teena (Billing) Bollinger
Jared Bankey says
My condolences to the Stone family. So, sorry to hear of the passing of your mother.
Jeanne Vetch says
I was so sorry to hear of Darleen’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bob and Jane Engdahl says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Stone families. We always enjoyed her company at family gatherings. May memories help you folks through these sad times. Our love to all.
Scott and Brandi Gray says
Prayers to the Stone Family
Darbie Karch and Family says
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Aaron & Brenda Kneeland says
Your family is in our prayers and thoughts.
EIleen and Ann says
Gary, Regger, Amber and Brady, so sorry for the loss of your mother. DArlene was so good to us while we were going to school at Kinsey, many fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ann and Eileen Haughian
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Darlene was a wonderful caring person. She was so good to others, especially my Mom Katie Farnum. God Bless You.
Rocky & Jody Burman says
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers.
Mary Squires says
Miles City will miss Darlene. She has a heart of gold. I knew her from when she lived in the Dent addition; but I really got to know her when the Soup Kitchen was just a dream of about 7 people. She worked tirelessly for its birth, giving of time and money; making it possible to open in 2010. She was on the board for many years and the last year she was writing the thank you notes. I saw her just last week, and she felt bad she could not get out in this weather to do that. I’m so glad I got that last hug. I am blessed to know you and work with you at the Custer County Community Table.
Joe Jerrel says
My deepest sympathy to all the Stone Family.
Cathy Byron says
I enjoyed a wonderful visit with Darleen at the all-class reunion in Jordan last summer. I never saw her without a smile. Such a quiet soul that bore a kind countenance. She will be missed. Treasure the memories. She has just received her rich reward for a life well lived. May she RIP. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Howard Shawver says
Brady,
I am very sorry to hear about your mom. Let me know if you need anything.
Audrey Liebelt Bruckner says
Stone family I am so sorry to hear about Darlene, I knew your Mother and all of you from the Van Norman days. Every time I saw your Mom in Miles City she always had a smile and stopped and said hi .
Cathy Burgess McKeever says
Family of Darlene, Sorry to hear about your loss. Darlene is remembered from the days of Van Norman always had a good time when we visited the family. Always enjoyed visiting with her when I seen her in Miles City.
Janet Sherer says
My deepest sympathy to Darleen’s family. She was a very special person, always trying to take care of people who were less fortunate. She will be missed by all.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Stone Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time.
Tom and Cindy Erickson says
Stone Family – We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Cheryl Smutt says
Sorry for your loss.
Stacy Naylor(Watts) says
So sorry. Darlene and I just spent time visiting in the shampoo aisle at Walmart. We were planning on road tripping together the next time I went to Dillon so she could visit Amber. She explained her health was declining and she couldn’t travel alone. I am glad I had a chance to visit with her.
Jack and Karen Austin says
We are so sorry for your loss and are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Margo Hellickson says
To Darlene’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Darlene at the Fiddler’s and Singles dances. I always enjoyed visiting with her. She had a special knack with a quiet demeanor in caring for people. She will be missed by many.
Lena Anderson says
So sorry Eleanor and to the Stone Family, I grew up with Darleen & her Sister at Van Norman… some good times so sorry for your loss. Will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.
Kris Munroe Crews says
I am very sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
Joe and Cathi Peila says
10013 Highway 12
Joe and Cathi Peila says
To Darlene’s family: Such a gracious, kind lady. We first became acquainted in Kinsey but always visited whenever we saw one another. She continued to have that smile and positive attitude even as her health declined. She is a treasure that will be missed a lot.
Lori Campbell says
So sad to hear about, my thoughts and prayers are with the family
Kellie and Wes Hodgson says
Dear Stone Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Darlene was such a kind person with a great soul. We will miss seeing her face and talking to her in Miles City and when she visits her kids and grandbabies. She was always very positive and friendly towards everyone, she had a truly special spirit.
With Love,
Kellie and Wes Hodgson
Darcy Fortune Boggs says
Very sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris Neil Giacomino says
Amber Tom and all the Stone family we are so sorry for your loss. We know your Mom loved the times she came to Butte for the folk festival. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kimberly Meidinger-Wilson says
Amber, Brady, Regger & Gary Lee,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. So sorry to hear about your mom. She was always so kind to me even when I took your long braids out every time you came over Amber. Strength & Peace. God Bless
Shane & Holly Billing Harbaugh says
Darlene was always so nice when I would see her. Thinking of all of you
Sharon Volkman says
Sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing Darlene often and talking with her.
Jerri Thomas says
Always enjoyed visiting with Darleen; she marched to the beat of her own drum and I always admired her for that. Deepest sympathies to her family.
Wilbur Morton Family says
The daughters of Wilbur Mortom were so sorry to hear of the passing of Darleen. We can never thank her enough for being so loving and caring to our father. She was a special lady. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Deb Schmeling says
So sorry to hear about Darleen. She was a very caring person always helping someone. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you. Remember to share your memories and keep them close to you.
Carol Watts says
Many good memories of Darleen and her sheep and 4-H at Kinsey. She used to let the sheep out of their pens at the fair so they could get a little exercise. She was always so concerned about the welfare of animals. She was a good person, a good friend, a good neighbor.
DJ and Gloria Rath Milroy says
Our deepest sympathy and most heartfelt prayers for all of Darleen’s family.
Clayton Cook says
Cousin Darleen will be missed by many. She was our good friend most of all. Most admired her generosity in so many ways especially with getting food to people who need it.
Lonetta Lesh says
Darlene was a valued employee and friend at Eagles Manor. Her infectious laugh and cheerful disposition made her a pleasure to work with.
Children of Darlene, you are in my thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come.
Lonetta Lesh
Tracee Raymond says
Brady and the whole Stone family please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. I am very sorry for your loss of your beautiful mother, wife, daughter and sister.
Linda Kountz says
So sorry to hear about Darlene, she and Gary were the first people I met when we moved to the ranch at Van Norman, they were good neighbors and were missed by the community when they moved. She always had a smile on her face and a big hello when I saw her in Miles.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Vern and Eileen Entzel says
So sorry to hear about Darlene. Keep all those memories close. Always enjoy visiting with her. The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy McFarland-Hays says
Brady and Families, Sending condolences and prayers your way.
Connie (Earley) Watts says
Brady – So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. God bless you and give you and your family comfort at this time.
Barb Holcomb says
Amber, Brady – very sad to hear about your loss. Your mom was so kind to me and always treated me as though I mattered. Will always have fond memories of her. My deepest condolences. Barb (Bonine) Holcomb
Clayton Cook says
Great friend, our cousin. Compassionate and always supporting those in need!
Brian Walker says
Thinking about the family during this difficult time. I’ll remember Darlene for her gentle and caring spirit when I was growing up. She wanted the best for us kids and was concerned about our well-being. What a great smile and laugh she had. I will never forget it.
Mary Bloom and Family says
Brady, Jodi and family – We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Roger Gamble and Family says
Brady and Family, sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you from us.