Darlene Carter Rose

Funeral service for Darlene M. Carter Rose, 86, of Ekalaka, will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 17, 2023 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Ekalaka with Llane Carroll officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Capitol Cemetery.

Visitation will be 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 16 at the funeral home with prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Darlene passed away February 11, 2023 in Billings, MT.

Darlene was born to Jim and Charlotte (Gray) Davis of Camp Crook, SD on May 14, 1936 in Buffalo. She grew up on the family ranch with her little brother, Charles and lots of cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Family was first and she knew she could count on them for love and laughter, not to mention a meal and a bed when traveling - much to the chagrin of her children who wanted to stay in motels with swimming pools!

Darlene attended primary classes in Harding County and High School with her cousin Shirley (Davis) Blake in Belle Fourche. She enjoyed participating in the class of ‘54 (Go Broncs!) reunion activities right up until her passing.

Darlene began her life long career in education right after High School with a provisional teaching certificate. The majority of her continuing education came from Black Hills Teacher’s College and Montana State University but she attended numerous other institutions as well. She taught all over Eastern Montana and Western South Dakota. She even taught enlisted men on a submarine in the Portsmouth shipyards of Virginia. Her career was capped by serving as Carter County Superintendent of Schools from 1990-2011.

Darlene married Ted Carter in Capitol, MT in 1956 and they started a family - Wendy in 1960 and Nancy in 1961. They moved to Rapid City for more opportunities but maintained very close ties to family. Their last child, Charla, arrived in 1965. Darlene met the challenges of being an officer’s wife when Ted chose to advance his profession in the National Guard. She played a strong role in his success while also continuing her own education and career. They made a big leap with a move to Virginia in 1982 where Darlene nurtured her lifelong interest in travel.  

Darlene and Ted raised their girls together but when the last was out of high school, Ted chose to live a separate life so in 1985 they separated and eventually divorced.  Darlene moved back to Carter County, continuing her pursuits as an educator and getting involved in several fulfilling activities including St Elizabeth’s Lutheran Church, bowling, the VFW Auxiliary, knitting & crocheting, Blood Drives, international travel, and supporting area youth especially at ball games and spelling bees.     

In 2007 Hughie Rose, a widowed, retired area rancher she had known for decades, shocked Darlene by asking her out on a dinner date. She accepted and after a long courtship they were married in May of 2008. Darlene loved his kindness and patience and was also very happy to get to know his family better. All of Hughie’s children as well as their own families welcomed Darlene. Hughie and Darlene watched out for one another but in February of 2020, he passed and her health also failed so she moved to an assisted living facility in Billings, MT to be closer to her daughters.  

Darlene died comfortably on February 11, 2023. She was preceded in death by her infant brother, father, mother, brother and his wife, Nellie (Berry). Her survivors include her daughters and grandchildren - Allie Marie Curry and Nathan Carter Curry - Nieces Carla (Tom) Herzog and Nadine (Brian) Elmore and beloved sister-in-law Susan (Silvis) Carter and niece Beverly (Carter) Elmore as well as a large extended family.

In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead make a donation to St Elizabeth Church PO Box 122 or Emswiler Pool Fund (Town of Ekalaka) PO Box 338 Ekalaka, MT 59324 or the charity of your choice. Don’t forget to save a life by donating blood regularly.