Irene Doris Darling, 80

Irene Doris Darling, 80, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully Wednesday night, June 9, 2010 at the Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center in Whitefish, with her husband, son and daughter at her side. Irene was born Jan. 13, 1930, in Westby, to Archie and Persis Downen. The family migrated westward, first to Browning, then to Coram, in 1936, and arrived and settled in Columbia Falls in 1940. She attended school in Coram and Columbia Falls. On April 10, 1949, she married Marvin Pete Darling of Columbia Falls. This year they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Irene worked at the Veterans Home for a short time. She also worked at B & B Foods for nearly 20 years, and at the Aluminum Plant for approximately 10 years as a custodian. She finished her working career at Brendan House in Kalispell. Irene is survived by her husband, Marvin Pete , of 61 years; her son, Charles and wife, Maryleigh Darling, of Columbia Falls; daughter, Judith Ann and husband, Steve Benson, of Columbia Falls; three grandchildren, Evan Darling of Columbia Falls, Charlie and wife, Eve Darling, of Starr, Idaho, and Kara and Bill Gustafson of Columbia Falls; four great-grandchildren, Skylar and Billy Gustafson of Columbia Falls, and Hunter and Tanner Darling of Starr, Idaho; sisters, Clarice Harrison of Whitefish, and Arlene Rowe of Kalispell; brothers, Stan Downen and Richard Dick Downen, both of Columbia Falls; lifelong friend, Martha Kassel of Columbia Falls; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Irene was preceded in death by her mother, Persis Downen; father, Archie Downen; sister, Ardythe Richmond; and her grandparents, Peter and Lenora Mack. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 15, at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls, with Pastor Ray Davis of Kalispell officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Irene s name to the Wildcat Endowment Association, P.O. Box 2932, Columbia Falls, MT 59912. Arrangements are by the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.