Darlene D. Ernst, 88

Darlene Doris Steinke of Kalispell passed away on Feb. 28, 2019.

Darlene was born on Aug. 26, 1930, in Massillon, Iowa, to Edward and Frieda Burmeister Steinke. She attended school in Lost Nation, Iowa, and graduated in 1947.

Darlene was married to Gene White in Lost Nation on Feb. 11, 1950. They resided in Gene’s hometown of Canistota, South Dakota. They had four daughters, Nyla and husband, Greg Russell, of Havre, Sierri Whitehead of Fairmont, Minnesota, Brenda and husband, Gary Cuthbertson, of Bigfork, and Kathryn and husband, Kevin Boekhoff, of Farmington, New Mexico.

Darlene later divorced and in 1978 married Dr. Burrell Ernst. They resided in Lennox, South Dakota, until an automobile accident took the life of Burrell in 1982.

Darlene later moved to Kalispell. Her faith and belief of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior was her focus in life. She was a charter member of the Rocky Mountain Baptist Church, where she faithfully attended, until her health no longer allowed. Darlene found joy in doing for others. She provided in-home care for the elderly, and participated in weekly services at Friendship House for over 20 years.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Frieda Steinke, and brother Raymond Steinke.

She is survived by one brother, Harley, and wife Sharon Steinke, of Tipton Iowa; her daughters, nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Rocky Mountain Baptist Church at 1 p.m. on March 7. Interment and a family service will take place at a later date in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home will be caring for the family.

At the request of the family, memorial donations may be made to Rocky Mountain Baptist Church, 2387 Hwy. 35, Kalispell, MT.