Darlene Morrison

Darlene Rachel (Crunkelton) Morrison, 77, of Great Falls, died of natural causes Sunday, December 25, 2011 at the family home. A memorial service will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Jim Petersen officiating.Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Darlene Rachael Morrison passed away on Christmas Day, 2011, at home with her husband by her side. She had been ill for a very long time.She was born on Independence Day, 1934, the beautiful daughter of Geraldine and Raymond Hicks.Darlene was raised in Great Falls, MT, along with her three brothers, Bill, Dick, and Jim Hicks. She graduated from Great Falls High in 1952. Darlene married Leonard Morrison on September 23, 1956.They gave birth to their son, Michael, in 1957 and their daughter, Susie, in 1958. Darlene and family moved from Great Falls to Helena in the early 60s. They owned and managed the Pub and Howards Pizza for several years.Len was offered a position with Rainier in 1968 and the family moved back to Great Falls. Darlene occasionally worked as an office manager. In 1973, the family moved to Spokane.Darlene managed the hospital Credit Union, and Leonard continued with Rainier.The family was very fortunate to have been in Spokane in 1974 to enjoy the Worlds Fair.The family moved back to Montana in 1975 and resided in Missoula.Darlene had many roles, and one included being the Welcome Wagon hostess.Missoula was a great place to live with all the arts, university activities, and a bounty of marvelous friends she met through the Newcomers Club. Darlene and Leonard moved back to Great Falls in 1992 and soon were joined by their son, Michael, and his family, and their daughter, Susie.Darlene joined a local PEO chapter and established extraordinary and faithful friendships that continued to her death.Darlene is survived by her faithful and loving husband, Leonard, her number one son Michael, her partner in crime daughter, Susie, incredible daughter-in-law Cathleen, granddaughters Halley and Georgia Mae Morrison, her kind and generous brother Jimmy and his lovely wife Jeannie, her tender and gentle sister-in-law Gloria Hicks, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.Darlene was the matriarch of the Hicks family and she loved them so.Her grand-daughters were the apple of her eye, and Darlene was so proud of them for their kindness, enthusiasm, and bravery.Darlene loved Cathleen and was impressed by her wisdom and what a great job she did raising her golden children.Darlene was fortunate to establish good friendships wherever she lived and even maintained some high-school relationships until her death.Darlene was a classy gal who dressed to the nines, kept an awesome, beautifully decorated home, and who loved her family. During the Christmas holiday, the house was festively decorated, and abundantly so, inside and out. She made all the holidays so special. She was very clever and sophisticated. Darlene was a great wife and mother. She was attentive, caring, kind, and loving.She had a contagious laugh and a quick wit. She enjoyed participating in many things, and she was a cracker-jack bridge player. She could also dance like nobodys business.Darlene and Leonard were a great dancing duo.Darlene thoroughly enjoyed the arts and especially loved attending productions in which Michael participated. Darlene and Susie were always up to something, whether it be a road trip or a home improvement project.Len would ask now what are you two up to? Darlene was a stickler for good manners and citizenship.She always said you should use your best manners around the people you love most.Darlene was game for anything, from riding horses to riding on the back of a motorcycle. When playing with her young granddaughters, Darlene played the role of an ATM machine, the lawn fertilizer guy, and the west wing. She always seemed to say just exactly the right thing.One of Darlenes and Lens greatest joys was traveling.Hawaii was their favorite location and they visited often.They also traveled to many other places, including Europe and many places in the USA. Darlene, Len, and Susie traveled to New York City for a Thanksgiving vacation filled with theater and site-seeing in 2000. It was one of their most splendid vacations.Darlene and Len would often be seen, hand in hand, walking down the street. They were devoted to each other and always loved each other, and Len proved his love to her in the way he took care of her. Sadly, Darlene began to lose her vision in1992.It gradually progressed to the point of complete blindness by the mid 2000s.This took a huge toll on Darlenes ability to be independent and to participate in social events (especially bridge) and over time it wore very heavily on her.Darlene suffered terribly from depression and her world grew smaller and smaller.Darlenes PEO sisters remained constant supporters of the entire family throughout Darlenes battle. The Morrison family is forever mindful and appreciative of their generosity and kindness. Neighbors and friends have also been very supportive. In addition, Hospice began working with the family in August of 2011. They provided medical, personal care, and emotional support.Without them, the family would not have been able to care for Darlene.Our most sincere thanks go out to them for all they did for our family. They are a great blessing.In Darlenes remembrance, we ask that you consider a contribution to Hospice.Our wife, mother, sister, and aunt will be missed terribly.We know you will find peace and love now though Mom, so we are comforted by that.We are so thankful to have had you as long as we did. You came into this world with a bang, and left with an angel. We love you so muchwe sure do.