Darleen Rae 'Deana' Ridgway, 48

Deana passed away unexpectedly in Spokane on Nov. 7, 2011, at the age of 48.

She was born on Aug. 6, 1963, to Robert L. and Erma Mae (Thompson) Ridgway, in Helena. She was the youngest of 12 children. She attended school in Helena and graduated from Helena High School.

Deana was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Tracy and Floyd “Pete”; her sister, Wanda Pierson; and a daughter, Bonnie.

Deana blessed four families with her children, Kelly, Allison, Theresa, Jacob, Molly and Brian.

Deana is survived by her sisters, Carol Jeffries of Kalispell, Bobbie Smith and husband Brian of Lewiston, Patty Brewer and husband Charles of Helena, Nancy Swanson and husband Lance of Kalispell, Terry Hamper and husband Pat of Helena, and Glenda Depuis and husband Robert of Toole, Utah; brothers, Robert Ridgway and wife Donna of Vaughn, and Kevin Gaab and wife Theresa of Lolo; numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and her special friend, Roy Haegy, of Spokane.

Cremation has taken place in Spokane, and private family services are pending.

Deana will be missed and never forgotten by all those she has touched with her free spirit, smile and laugh.