A little bundle of Joy, Darlene Sheely, was born April 19, 1961, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, to Raymond and Marlene Sheely of Sturgis South Dakota.

Darlene Sheely attended grade school and high school in Sturgis, graduating in 1979. Then went on to secretarial school at South Dakota vo-tech and graduated from there in 1981.

Darlene was gifted with a beautiful voice and pursued a musical career playing Country Music in the Tri-State area. She also participated in the summer music shows at Custer, South Dakota. John Culbertson and Darlene recorded a Country Music album, "John and Darlene By Request" in Evergreen, Colorado. Four years later, Darlene recorded a Country Music album "One Dream" with Stringbean Swenson in Hermosa South Dakota.

Darlene and John also formed their own country music band "Nashville Gold." Darlene also played with country bands "Country Sunshine", "Nuttin Honey" and "The Whiskey River Band." She won "Female Vocalist of The Year" three years in a row. When she played with Whiskey River Band, they won "Band of The Year" at the Black Hills Country Music Association Show.

Darlene worked at Black Hills Gold Creations and KOTA Television and Radio station for several years. She also worked for Motel 6 as Desk Clerk and Manager.

Russell Larson and Darlene were married on February 14, 2004. After their divorce in 2008, Darlene went back to work for Motel 6 as relief Manager traveling from Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana.

Due to a lot of medical problems, in 2017, Darlene had to quit driving and could no longer work. She enjoyed quilting these last few years. One of the joys in her life was her traveling companions, Teddy and Heiti, her poodles.

Darlene Mae Larson died Monday, March 12, 2018 at her residence in Laurel Montana.

Darlene is survived by her sister, Cheryl Russell; parents, Raymond and Marlene Sheely; and was a second mom to her niece, Tamera (Pat) Wilcox; nephews, Steven (Tracy) Russell and Brian (TC) Russell; eight grand-nieces and nephews.

Darlene was preceded in death by her grandparents on both sides; uncles, Gary Clem, Alzada, Montana; Jack Frost, Commerce City, Colorado.

Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 18, 2018, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD, with Rev. Click on link to view service folder Chip Dye officiating.

Interment will be in Keystone, South Dakota at Mt. View Cemetery.