Darlene Martha Hargus

Darlene Martha Hargus, age 91, of Anaconda, Montana, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, at Meadowlark Manor in Whitehall, Montana.

Darlene was born on February 2, 1934, in Anaconda, Montana, to Joseph and Sara Lescantz. She spent most of her life rooted in her hometown, where she built a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family.

In her early years, Darlene worked at her parents business, the Anaconda Bar, and later operated a laundromat in town. She also served briefly as a police officer in California. While her career path was diverse, her true purpose was found in the way she cared for others. She was the rock of her family, offering steady support, wisdom, and unconditional love to everyone around her.

Darlene was known for her gentle routines and joyful spirit. She cherished mornings spent tending to her raspberry bushes and cutting bread to feed the birds in her backyard. She always kept a plant on her windowsill, which she lovingly sang to, firmly believing that "talking to plants is what helps them grow." Her home was filled with warmth, and she loved sitting by the window, either in the kitchen or living room, soaking in the simple beauty of life.

She was a devoted animal lover, especially to her beloved dog, Shadow, who she missed dearly. She found joy in Western films, with John Wayne being her favorite, though she always said her all-time favorite actor was Dwayne Johnson.

Darlene shared more than 20 cherished years with her partner, Dr. Garr Phelps, traveling together and spending winters in Lake Havasu. After his passing in 2016, she remained the guiding light of her family. A proud survivor of ovarian cancer, she overcame the disease in her seventies and lived cancer free for the rest of her life.

She was a member of the Serbian Orthodox Church and carried her faith with quiet strength throughout her life.

She is survived by her son, Michael Freze of Anaconda, Montana; grandchildren Joseph Freze, Skylar Freze, Matt Freze, Mike Freze Jr., Molly Freze, Melissa Beaver, and Zach Gwerder; great-grandchildren Gunner Bethune and Jackson Bethune; and nieces and nephews Coco Lescantz, Madeline Lescantz, Andy Lescantz, Larry Lescantz Jr., and Jim Lescantz.

She was preceded in death by her beloved partner Dr. Garr Phelps; her grandparents Mike and Martha Supecha; her parents Joseph and Sara Lescantz; her brother Larry Lescantz; and her aunt Sophie Sliney.

Darlene's love, strength, and compassion touched many lives. Her memory will be cherished forever.

A small private service will be held in her honor. For those seeking more information, please contact Longfellow Funeral Home.

Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Darlene. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory have been privileged to care for Darlene and her family.