Darlene Foster joined her seven siblings and husband in Heaven on Jan. 4, 2025. 

Born June 24, 1934, on a farm in Buckley, Illinois, her life took her to many states including Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and finally to Montana. 

Darlene loved taking care of children. She had such a huge heart that grew with each child she was able to love and care for. As a child, she would rush home from school to care for her baby sister, Marie, for those few months Marie was here on Earth. 

That passion to care for others only grew as she got older. As a teacher’s assistant, she helped students learn. If ever anyone in the family needed her, she was there instantly to help. 

She would take her grandkids for summers to her house in New Mexico; visit her brothers and sisters in Illinois, California and Colorado, and stop along the way to see various attractions. Life was about experiences and adventures. 

She loved her daughters and enjoyed living around them, especially in her later years. No matter where she was, she was always gardening, cooking and keeping busy with projects, crafts and collections. 

She loved reading to her great grandchildren, going on walks with them and listening to their stories. Even as her memories began to fade, the children of her life were never gone. She was a fiercely strong and independent woman.

Her loving memory lives on in her two daughters, two granddaughters, four great-grandchildren and her cat. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.