Darlene Fay Flesche, 77, of Malta passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at her son’s home in Hamilton, Montana.
Born July 16, 1945, Darlene spent her entire life in Malta, working many different jobs. She worked at the local Gambles Store and Ezzie’s Wholesale for many years while waitressing and bartending at Stine’s Nightclub and Roger’s Saloon before finally retiring as a cook for the Malta School District.
She married Monte Rothie in Malta, and they had their first child, Becky, in 1964 followed by their son, Billy, in 1969. After the loss of Monte in 1974, Darlene married Robert (Bob) L. Flesche on June 16, 1978, and they remained happily married for 32 years until his passing in 2010.
In her younger years, Darlene loved to camp and fish with Bob at Nelson Reservoir on their pontoon boat. She and Bob also loved dancing, playing cards, and especially enjoying their many Whist tournaments throughout the years. However, her greatest joy was precious time spent with her grandchildren. She loved attending sporting events, graduations, and was always so proud of everything they achieved. She was blessed with her first, and only, great-grandchild, Leyton William Luedecke, born July 2022 to granddaughter McKayl and husband Wyatt. Leyton was truly the light of her days the last passing months, and she made sure he would have only the best memories of his special “GG”.
In addition to Monte and Bob, Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister. She is survived by her daughter, Becky Quick, and husband Dave of Helena; son, Bill Rothie, and wife Judy of Hamilton; two sisters; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Keegan Rothie of Hamilton, McKayl Luedecke and husband Wyatt Luedecke of Post Falls, Idaho; Madison Quick and Connor McGree of Helena; Conor Quick of Helena; Camron Rothie of Hamilton; and by great-grandson Leyton Luedecke of Post Falls.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at the Malta Lutheran Church with burial following at the Malta Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
