Darlene Tkachyk, 69

Mary Darlene Tkachyk, 69, 'was received into the loving arms of our Savior' on Sept. 9, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

She was born on May 5, 1937, in Plentywood, to Odell and Evelyn (Syme) Johnson. Darlene completed her education in Plentywood where she graduated in 1955.

She married Ralph Tkachyk on June 20, 1955, in Plentywood. She was a loving wife for 51 years to Ralph.

Darlene took every opportunity she was given to share Jesus with her friends and family. Her passion was her children and grandchildren, which she was very proud of. Darlene enjoyed cooking, decorating, shopping and helping others. She so loved the smell of her perfume. You never caught Darlene without her bling-bling!! 'She is at peace with Jesus and we are rejoicing. Praise the Lord. Thank you to the hospital staff and Brendan House for your loving care for Darlene during her illness.'

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph Tkachyk, of Kalispell; her four children, son, Kim Tkachyk and wife, Joann, and their children, Joshua, Brittney and Aaron; son, Kipp Tkachyk and wife, Debbie, and their children, Shiloh, Sarah and Zachariah; daughter, Kori Baker and husband, Mike, and their children, Caleb, Nahum, Ian, Flint, and Cami; son, Kelly Tkachyk and wife, Beth, and their children, Moriah and Brittney; and one great-grandchild, Kamaia, all of Kalispell; with numerous other relatives.

Funeral services for Darlene will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Robert Ross officiating. Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from noon until 6 p.m. Thursday at Johnson Mortuary.

The family suggests memorials be given to Life Outreach International c/o James Robinson, P.O. Box 982000, Ft. Worth, TX 76182-8000.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Darlene's family.