Margaret Darlene Nelson Ellingson was born to Henry and Maggie Nelson in Great Falls, Montana on July 28, 1933. She was a welcome addition to her two older siblings, Marion and Norman. Darlene grew up and graduated from Dutton High School. She loved music and played piano at the Dutton Lutheran Church as well as giving lessons.

Darlene and Robert Donley Ellingson were married on August 24, 1951. Their early married life included travel while Bob served in the U.S. Army. They eventually settled in Dutton and started their family, having two daughters Sharie Kae and Cindy Lee. Darlene and Bob moved to Great Falls where they raised their family. In 1981, they moved to Lompoc, California where they remained. Darlene lived with her daughter Sharie Bostwick after Bob's death in 1991 until the time of her death.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Maggie and Henry, her husband Bob, sister Marion Laisnez, brother Norman, son-in-law Bill Bostwick and nephew Dick Driskell. She is survived by her daughters Sharie Bostwick, Lompoc, CA and Cindy (Roger) Heikens, Tigard, OR, her four grandchildren Kaylee (Scott) Searway, Newbury Park, CA. Rob Bostwick, Lompoc, CA, Bethany (Brian) Gillett, Anacortes, WA; Christina Heikens, West Linn, OR; two great grandchildren, Emily and Trevor Searway, Newbury Park, CA. and her niece Marcia Driskell, Great Falls, MT.

Darlene lost her long battle with congestive heart failure and COPD on February 28, 2017. She will be deeply missed. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church of Lompoc on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place in Great Falls in the summer where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Bob.