ARLENE SEAGRAVES obituary

Darlene Rae (Whitson) Seagraves was born July 23, 1932, in Havre, Mont.

She was one of two daughters born to Russell and Mary (Brookshire) Whitson and became affectionately known as “Babe” to her family. After receiving her formal education at Simpson School, north of Havre, Darlene enrolled at the International Bible College in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She enjoyed working with children, so she learned skills to teach Sunday School classes. During her time at the bible college she met her husband-to-be, Paul Carl Seagraves, who was studying to be a minister. Darlene and Paul were married in Havre on July 26, 1951. In the years that followed, Darlene worked diligently as a minister's wife, Sunday School teacher, homemaker and mother to four sons. The Seagraves family spent 50 glorious years preaching and singing the scriptures throughout the United States, Canada and Haiti.In 1992 they returned to the Havre community to enjoy their retirement years. Darlene suffered from Parkinson's Disease for 20 years, but managed to cope with the illness fairly well. Four years ago she was admitted to the Northern Montana Care Center for extended care. She remained at the Havre nursing facility until her peaceful passing on Friday evening, Dec. 18, 2009. She left us at age 77. Darlene loved her music. She played the accordion, piano and organ and loved to sing. Her skills at cooking and baking were wonderful, and her family remembers her delicious roast beef dinners on Sunday afternoons following church. Darlene enjoyed entertaining and “collected friends” wherever they would go. She maintained a strong, Christian faith throughout her life. She will always be remembered as a happy and loving grandmother and greatgrandmother. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents and an infant son, Daniel Seagraves. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, the Rev. Paul Seagraves of Havre; three sons, Don Seagraves of Havre, Dave (Debbie) Seagraves of Halstad, Kan. And Paul Seagraves of Gillette, Wyo .; three grandchildren, Danny, Dalena and Dwane; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Ardell Peterson of Havre; and several nieces and nephews. Darlene was cremated per her wishes. Her memorial service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, at the Assembly of God Church, 901 9th St. W. in Havre. Following burial of her ashes in the Highland Cemetery, a luncheon will be held at the church. Cremation and arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester. Undesignated memorials will be given to the Havre Assembly of God Church.