Darlene E. Handley Russell, age 81, of Miles City passed away on Friday, March 24, 2017 at the Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.
Darlene started her journey in life on a spring day on May 24, 1935. She was born to Chester and Anna Handley. She shared her childhood with her two sisters, Annetta and Ethel in Miles City, Montana. She had one brother who passed away at birth. During her school years, Darlene played the clarinet, was in the school marching band, and she also played the piano by ear. Darlene graduated from Custer County High School in 1956. On August 19, 1956, she married James Russell, and they made their home in Miles City. Together they raised their four children, Kim, James (Jim), Laurie, and Karla. Darlene was blessed with seven grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Over the years, Darlene worked at Reynolds Warehouse Grocery and Buttrey Food and Drug/Albertsons. She was a cashier, and her true love was working in the floral department. Darlene was raised and was very active in the Foursquare Church in Miles City. She was a caring, giving and loving person, and a volunteer at the Custer County Community Table, the Custer County Food Bank, The Range Riders Museum, COPS and the Miles City VFW, where she worked serving benefit meals for various organizations. She served as the activity assistant at Holy Rosary Healthcare and Friendship Villa Care Center.
Darlene was an active member of the Degree of Honor Number 505, the Miles City Garden Club, and the Miles City Knitting Club. Darlene loved to travel, and if there was anything with four wheels (or even two), she was in it! Darlene opened her home for entertaining, and over the years hosted Christmas parties for many organizations. She and her husband Jim loved attending sporting events and cheering for their grandchildren. She had many dear friends. Darlene enjoyed attending family reunions and spending holidays with her family members. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life.
Darlene is survived by her sisters, Annetta Gable (Willie) and Ethel Lopez, her children Kim Russell Wheadon (Ed), James Russell Jr., Laurie Russell Jerome (Dennis), and Karla Russell Kings (Brad), seven grandchildren, three of which served in the armed forces, 18 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and her extended family.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, March 26, 2017 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Custer County Community Table, the Custer County Food Bank, The Fisher’s House Foundation, VFW Post #1579, COPS or any local charity of ones choice through Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes in Miles City, Montana.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday March 26, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 27, 2017
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Monday March 27, 2017
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday March 26, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 27, 2017
Grace Bible Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Monday March 27, 2017
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana
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Shorty and Judy Brush says
So Sorry for your loss what amazing lady Darlene was she will be deeply missed prayers go out to all
B Dean Holmes says
Goodbye Darlene, what a life when we can count so many friends. Rest in peace, sorry I can not be there for the services.
Kay Carlson says
I am so sorry to hear that Darlene has gone on ahead. She was always the sweetest lady.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
So sorry about your mom. She was a sweet lady and will be missed by many.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Clara jo says
Sorry to hear about Darlene passing . What a wonderful lady to every one ! May God fill all your hearts with memories .
Fern Griggs says
Thinking of you all at this time. I’m so glad I got in a call to her at the NH. She was so chirper! Thank you Justin for giving me a ok to call Darlene thru Carol! Jimmie thanks for all the times I visited at your home when Darlene was in Billings! She and Jim were long time friends. I will miss.
Sue Stanton says
So very sorry to hear about Darlene’s passing. She was such a treasure. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
gary and pat helm says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DARLENE, SHE WILL BE MISSED.OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO HER FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. THE HELM FAMILY ONE AND ALL
Janet Klein says
Heaven gained an angel when Darlene passed. She was always so happy, chatty and fun to visit with wherever I would meet up with her! Many years ago, she and my cousin Fern were dressed up for Halloween and they come to our house and I was terrified as a little child! I really wanted ‘them guys out of here’! She mentioned that to me almost every we met…good memories of a wonderful lady!!
Sharon Volkman says
To the Family It has been good knowing Darlene. She sure kept going – to the very end. So happy to help others.
Fred South says
So sorry for your loss. Knew Darlene well from our time in the Foursquare Church in Miles City.
Tanna Peterson Aye says
What a wonderful lady. My childhood is filled with many great memories of Darlene and my mother as members of TOPS. My sympathy to all of her family. Rest in peace dear lady, you will be missed.
Tami Davies says
Laurie and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Darlene was a lovely lady. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May your beautiful memories help to comfort you in the day and weeks ahead. Much Love Laurie!
Audrey says
Annetta and all of Darlene’s family I am so sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is to lose a sister. Darlene was a special lady, she always had a smile on her face and when she saw you she made you feel like you were the best thing she saw all day. Love you Audrey Liebelt Bruckner’
Roberta Morgan Rickman says
Kim, Jim, Laurie & Karla,
I am gonna miss your mom. She was such fun to be with. We had a lot of good laughs together.
Cindy Radue says
Darlene will be greatly missed. She was a delight and always upbeat. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. Wonderful memovies.
Debbie Anderson says
I’m so sorry Kim, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Justin, Shawna and boys, I’m so sorry, you are also in my thoughts and prayers. Keep your memories close, she will always with you.
Josephine Meidinger says
Sympathy to all of Darlene’s family and friends She will be missed Was happy to be able to call her my friend She will be missed by many
John & Penny Shevlin says
We are so sorry to hear of Darlene’s passing! What a great lady she was! We so enjoyed the Buttrey picnics and Christmas parties at their place………and our kids got the biggest kick out of Gus, Gladys, and Gert! Please accept our thoughts and prayers~~
John & Penny Shevlin says
We are so sorry to hear of Darlene’s passing. What a great lady and friend she was~ We so enjoyed the picnics and Buttrey Christmas parties at their place. Our kids especially were enthralled with Gus, Gladys, and Gert! Please accept our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
John & Penny Shevlin says
We are so sorry to hear of Darlene’s passing. We so enjoyed the picnics and Buttrey Christmas parties at their place. Please accept our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Petey Rojic says
I am so sorry for your loss. I had met Darlene thru a friend of hers Alleen Feuerherm.
Those two together had stories and laughs that I much enjoyed. She was always friendly
And always had lots of things to do and very much on the go. A really great lady. Please
Accept my prayers and thoughts at this very hard time.
Ruben aand June Opp says
To all of Darlene’s family, We were so sorry to hear of Darlene’s passing she was such a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bless you all during this difficult time and the days ahead.
Ruben and June Opp
Michelle Simpson says
Darlene was the second person I met when we first moved to Miles City . This meeting was the beginning of a very long and wonderful friendship. To Darlene’s family I hold you all close in prayer.
Jane Sprinkle says
Kim I am so sorry to hear about your Mother. I knew Darlene when I worked at Holy Rosary. She was a very sweet lady.
Joe and Pat Handley says
I grew up with cousin Darlene in Miles City, Mt. Our families enjoyed many fun times together. I remember her times of dating and marrying Jim Russell before I left for college in Calif. When visiting Miles City Darlene was always a special presence at family gatherings. When ever I visit I will truly miss her. I expect to see her again when Jesus calls me home. Numbers 6:24-26
Katrina luther says
To Darlene’s family my condolences you are in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoyed my visits and time spent with Darlene. Learned so much about flowers and gardening from her. Rest in peace sweet lady.
Pat Goecke says
Kim, I am so sad to hear this. Your mother was always so gracious to me. My prayers are with you and your family.
Randy and Jean King says
Laurie, Kim, Karla, Jimmy so sorry to hear about your mom she was a wonderful lady and will be missed by many. Remember the memories to help you get through your loss. Prayers for all.
Randy and Jean King
Brian and Maggie Dice says
Kim, Jim, Laurie and Karla,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. She was always so friendly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
James L. Arneson says
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. I always enjoyed visiting and laughing with her when she was volunteering at the soup kitchen or food bank. I can say with out a doubt she will be missed by many here.
Wendy S Ballance says
We’re sorry to hear of Darlene’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Brian & Wendy
Betty Fridrichson says
My sympathy to the family, Darlene and I were in TOPS together for many years, along with her aunt Lucille. We had Many good times together. She was such a gracious hostess when we gathered at her home.