Darlene Marie Rich, age 81 of Winifred, MT, formerly of Jordan, MT passed away at the Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown on Thursday, September 30, 2021.
Darlene was born on November 15, 1939, in Jordan Montana. She was the daughter of Leonard Francis Merwin and Alice Louise (Grant). She was born and raised in Jordan along with her brother Ron. Darlene was very proficient with the clarinet in the high school band and graduated from Garfield County High School as the Salutatorian of the class of 1957. She married Claude Saylor on January 11, 1957. Together they raised six children on the ranch. On October 5, 1990, she married Jack Spillum. Together they moved to Warrick where she loved to garden. They lived briefly at Judith Gap when Jack passed away following a heart surgery on June 10, 1997. She moved to Lewistown where she worked at a nursing home and then at Pamida. She met and later married Bob Rich and moved to his ranch near Winifred. She lost Bob to cancer on December 30, 2010. Darlene remained in Winifred until the time of her passing.
Darlene enjoyed being involved with various clubs as well as being a 4-H leader when her children were young. She enjoyed oil painting and many other crafts. She especially loved to embroider items that she later gave as gifts. She loved her children and all of her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending their sporting events and other activities they were involved in and never missed their birthdays. Darlene enjoyed spending time with her many friends. She especially enjoyed her morning walks with Margie and the senior lunches. She never met a cat she didn’t love.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Alice Merwin; her husbands: Claude Saylor, Jack Spillum and Bob Rich; son John Saylor; grandson Joshua Murnion, great granddaughter Maria Rose Murnion, and a stepson Randy Rich. She leaves behind her son Nathan (Kristy) Saylor; stepsons: Neil (Helen) Rich, Everett (Cheryl) Rich and Steve Rich; her daughters: Colleen (Greg) Butler, Lori (Jerry) Murnion, Mary D. (Cleo) Boyce and Carmen (Clyde) Mury; her brother Ronald Jo (Jessie) Merwin; three nephews: Gene Merwin, Joe (Dana) Merwin and Ian (Dar) Merwin; 21 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Winifred Community Center in Winifred, MT. Visitation will also be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan, MT. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the V.F.W Hall in Jordan. Interment will follow at the Hearts of Peace Cemetery in Brusett, MT. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be sent to Winifred Ambulance fund or to the Garfield County Ambulance fund.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Winifred Community Center
Winifred, Montana 59489
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, Montana 59337
Interment
Following the funeral service
Wednesday October 6, 2021
Hearts of Peace Cemetery
Brusett, Montana 59318
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Winifred Community Center
Winifred, Montana 59489
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, Montana 59337
Interment
Following the funeral service
Wednesday October 6, 2021
Hearts of Peace Cemetery
Brusett, Montana 59318
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Howard Shawver says
This is sure a surprise. My heart goes out to all of the family. My dad had nothing but good stories to tell of Darlene. I am so sorry for all of the family. I will be thinking of you all in the days ahead and I regret that I won’t be able to attend the service. So sorry for your loss.
Kay and Floyd Beecher says
Our heartfelt condolences to all of Darlene’s family for your loss. May many happy memories and laughter shared sustain you at this sorrowful time.
Karen Barnes says
Sending my sympathy and prayers to all of Darlene’s family at this sad and difficult time. May all your wonderful memories give you comfort and peace. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Curtis & Flossie Phipps says
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. She was a wonderful woman. Our prayers are with you as you deal with this unexpected event. Curtis & Flossie Phipps
Lige and Mary Ann Murray says
Deepest sympathies to all of Darlene’s family. Darlene was always so friendly and cheerful. May her wonderful memories bring peace and comfort during this time of sorrow.
Cindy Stanton says
I’m sonsorry to hear of Darlene passing. She was a wonderful lady with a great smile and was always very sweet to me. She will live on in the hearts of her family. May God bless you with comfort in the difficult days ahead.
Karen says
My Deepest Sympathy I always enjoyed visiting with your mother
Jenny Frady says
I ‘m so sorry for your lost , may she rest in peace . May god bless you and comfort
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of Darlene’s Family . She was a Special Lady and will be missed by all who knew her . May you find comfort in all of your Memories and in Gods Love for you . GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.
Roxie Saylor says
Condolences to all of Darlenes family,we always enjoyed the visits.Was so very sorry to hear of her passing,Ron stood up for Darlene and Claude when they where married.Rest in Peace dear friend.
DJ & Gloria Rath Milroy says
Our condolences and prayers are with all of Darlene’s loved ones. Darlene was a dear lady and I hold many special memories of times shared with her. She will be remembered and missed by many. May each of you hold your special memories close and may Our Lord walk with each of you.
Callie & Jordan Dasinger says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
George Hageman says
6 of us started grade one to grade 12 not many left.Susan and I send our thoughts and prayers to the family.She will be missed. George and Susan Hageman u you
Shane chauvet says
Darlene was a wonderful
Woman. I met her and jack when she was in warrick. I really liked jack and Darlene. Her chocolate chip cookies were legendary. I have fond memories of her.
Aunt Kae Merwin Currier (Uncle Bob) says
Darlene was the first born grandchild of Francis and Merle Merwin. They were very proud grandparents.
Our love and prayers go out to all of Darlene’s loved ones.