Darlene Ramage, 75, passed away suddenly, on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008, at her home in Helena with her husband Don at her side.
Darlene was born October 17, 1933, to Earl and Elizabeth Loveland. She spent her childhood on Milligan Route, out of Great Falls. As a child she was active in 4-H, entering sheep and calves into state fairs. She was a cheerleader in high school and spent summers as a cook’s helper at McKamey Ranch and graduated from Cascade High School. Darlene met the love of her life, Donald Ramage, in 1953 while he was stationed at Great Falls Air Force Base at Great Falls. They met at a square dance held at the YMCA. They were married Oct. 31, 1953. Darlene worked 17 years for Mountain Bell Telephone Company in Havre and Conrad and for Northern Insurance in Havre. The Ramages moved to Helena in 1988, when Donald worked for Gov. Stan Stevens. She then went to work for the Department of Agriculture until retiring June 2008. She also worked three years with the Legislature with pages. Darlene was a member of the Montana Republican Woman’s Party. Darlene was a very independent woman, she had the patience of a saint, always had a smile on her face and such a zest for life. Darlene was one of the hardest working women and her work ethic was second to none. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Elizabeth Loveland, and her brother, Raymond Loveland. Darlene is survived by her husband of 55 years, Don Ramage, of Helena. She is also survived by the six children she and Don raised, daughters, Cheryl (Dave) Sawyer of Conrad, Linda (Jerry) Hanson of Havre, Wanda Ramage of Helena, Joy (Gary) Cecrle of Lewistown; sons, David Ramage and Mark (Sarah) Ramage of Seattle; sister, Joan (Charlie) Hawn of Cascade; brother, Darrell (Barb) Loveland of Cascade; grandchildren, Tammy and Jolene Sawyer, Josh (Darci) Hanson, Chad and Amanda Hanson, Owen and Tanner Morgan, Tasha (Adam) Lahr and Tara Cecrle, and two great-grandchildren, Liam and Johanna Hanson. Darlene was extremely proud of all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her and Don would attend as many school or sporting functions as possible from freezing hockey games to warm cozy ball games. Mom, we will miss your smile, your hugs and your Fudge. Heaven just became a little brighter and we all know you are up there “Dancing with the Stars”. A memorial service celebrating Darlene’s life is scheduled for 2 p.m. today, Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, at the Canyon Ferry Baptist Church, 3384 Canyon Ferry Road. To offer condolences to Darlene’s family or to share a memory of Darlene, please visit www.MeM.com.
