Obituary: Eaton, Darleen Gayle

EATON, Darleen Gayle February 19, 1924- January 14, 2015 Darleen Gayle Eaton was born in Sauk Rapids, MN.

to Leslie and Augusta Crooks.

In the spring of 1928 the family moved to Red Lodge, Montana, where her father worked on a ranch and her mother supplemented the family income with her creative seamstress ability.

Darleen attended schools in Red Lodge and graduated from Carbon County High School in 1942.

She continued her education at Billings Polytechnic Institute (now Rocky Mountain College).

While attending the Poly she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) T. Eaton and they were married in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on October 20, 1943.

Bob had enlisted in the U.S. navy and they were stationed in Farragut, Idaho.

Bob was the son of Ernest T. and Augusta M. Eaton.

They had three children.

Their first child, Darla Jean, was born while they were in the service.

Bob spent nearly four years during World War II serving in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

During this time Darleen and Darla Jean returned home to Red Lodge to be with family.

After Bob’s discharge from the Navy they returned to Billings where Darleen served as a homemaker; general office manager and bookkeeper for Eaton Construction Company/Eaton Steel Building Company.

Ernest Leslie Thomas Eaton was born June 2, 1947, and Cynthia Louise Eaton was born March 31, 1961.

This completed the happy Eaton family for Darleen and Bob.

Darleen was active with Home Demonstration Club, volunteer work with the American Cancer Society and many hobbies that involved crafting and playing cards.

Darleen is survived by her sister, Virginia Landers of Great Falls, Montana; her three children and their spouses: Darla Jean McArthur and husband Jim of Spokane, WA., E.L. Thomas Eaton and wife Margot of Chelan, WA., and Cynthia Louise Dana and husband Greg of Absarokee, MT.

She is also survived by four grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, three nieces and a nephew.

She passed away very peacefully in Spokane, WA., with family at her bed side.

Preceding her in the journey to Heaven are her parents, her loving husband, grandson Forest, and an older brother Ronald.

Grave side services and interment of her ashes are planned for this spring.