Darlene H. Johnson

Darlene H. (Helmbrecht) Johnson, age 85, passed away Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, in Billings, Mont.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Fort Peck Cemetery with a gathering after at the Fish Hatchery in Fort Peck.

She was born April 29, 1932, in Henning, Minn., to Ace and Selma Helmbrecht. She was one of 14 children.

On July 4, 1949, she married Joe Johnson. They lived in Brockton where they farmed until they moved to Fort Peck in 1972. She moved to Billings in her later years, living at the Pleasant View Apartments, where she had many friends.

She was not only a devoted housewife but was affectionately known as “the egg lady” to many in Fort Peck, delivering fresh farm eggs for many years. She could also be seen helping her son, John, at the Gateway and Fort Peck Hotel, doing whatever was needed.

She was an avid card and bingo player. She and her twin sister, Dorine, spent many hours playing Dummy Rummy. Her wonderful friends, Ina and Rita, in Billings, made sure she got to the Bingo Hall even after she quit driving.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; a son, Mike; her parents; and 12 siblings.

Survivors include six children: Mary Ann Carson and her husband, Joe, of Fort Peck; Juanita Hagen of Glasgow; John Johnson of Plentywood; Joan Burns of Stevensville; Jeff Johnson and his wife, Andi, of Glasgow; and Sally Strom and her husband, Larry, of Billings; 21 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 32-great-great-grandchildren; her twin sister, Dorine Hagen of Billings; one brother, Gary Helmbrecht of California; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.