Alice "Darleen" Allen, 85

Alice "Darleen" Allen, 85, of Yuma, Arizona, passed away peacefully at her home on August 20, 2026. Darleen was born on August 11, 1941, in Whitehall, Montana, to John Dudley and Esta Grace (Sallee) Watson.

Darleen was raised at Milligan Canyon, where she attended Eureka School. Because she was the only student in the third grade, she was allowed to skip the grade and continue with the classmates in the next grade. She went on to attend Three Forks High School, where she was a proud member of the Class of 1958, graduating at the young age of 16.

After high school, Darleen attended Montana State College in Bozeman for one year, then moved to Billings, and while living there, she worked as a typesetter for the Billings Gazette. She later returned to Three Forks, where she worked as a telephone operator.

Darleen met the love of her life, Rollyn P. "Bud" Allen, and the two were married on June 10, 1961. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two sons, Michael P. Allen and Mark J. Allen.

Darleen was a master creator whose talents touched so many lives. Through her business, Whitehall Floral, she poured her heart and creativity into every arrangement, creating beautiful floral masterpieces for families, friends, celebrations, and special occasions throughout Whitehall and the surrounding communities.

While living in Whitehall, Darleen also drove a school bus. She had a huge heart and an extraordinary love for children. She spent much of her time babysitting many local children and became a beloved presence in the lives of countless families.

When Darleen became a Gramma for the first time, her world seemed to become a little brighter and a whole lot better. And when she was blessed with the title of "Great Gramma," life became truly magical. She cherished her grandbabies and great-grandbabies with all her might, showering them with love, laughter, and countless special memories. Being a Gramma and Great Gramma was one of the greatest joys of her life.

Darleen was a member of the Ladies Whitehall Bowling League, where she made many lasting friendships. She was also a devoted member of the Baptist & Christian churches in the communities where she and Bud lived. Darleen played the piano for Sunday services and taught many young children in Sunday school.

In 1986, a job transfer for Bud took them to Polson, Montana, where they spent the next 13 years. Bud and Darleen loved the many adventures Flathead Valley offered during their years there. Their home was always an open door, welcoming the many family members and friends who stopped by.

Darleen loved to craft, sew, play the piano, camp, and garden. She also loved to travel. One of her greatest adventures was the seven years she and Bud spent living their dream of full-time RV travel. When Bud retired from the postal service, he declared that he would never drive again. That wasn't a problem for Darleen-she loved to drive! She happily took the wheel and drove every mile of their travels through the lower 48 states, with their Tracker in tow behind the motorhome and Bud happily serving as her co-pilot.

Together, they explored new places, discovered the beauty of the country, and made countless wonderful memories along the way. Life was good!

Darleen is survived by her two sons and their families: Mike of Townsend and Mark (Jill) of Whitehall; her grandchildren, Derek (Shelby), Daryn (Jenna), Dayne (Riley), Jake (Dani), and John (Delaney); and her great-grandchildren, Kharsyn, Marquie, Kaisley, Louann, Addison, Ridley, and Jace.

She is also survived by her brother, Allen (Susan) Watson of Yuma, and her sister, Diana (Allen) Richards of Yuma; sisters-in-law Darlene Allen of Yuma and Boni Stout of Kalispell.

Darleen leaves behind many special nieces and nephews, including Kathy Kennedy, Rick (Barbra) Watson, Juli (Jamie) King, John Dean Allen, AJ (Kylee) Richards, Brittany Richards, and many more nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Darleen was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Bud; her brother-in-law, Jack Allen; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob and Emma Allen and Harold and Vicky Allen.

At Darleen's request, there will be no service. Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched, the friendships she treasured, the beauty she created, and the love she gave so freely to her family, friends, and community.