Darlene Ruth Pearce (Wilson) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on July 1, 2026, at the age of 62 in Coffee Creek, MT. She was born on December 9, 1963, in Missoula, Montana.

Darlene spent her early childhood in Lincoln, Montana, where she developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. She grew up riding horses, spending time in the mountains, and making cherished memories at hunting camps with family and friends. She later moved to Denton, Montana, before her freshman year of high school and graduated from Denton High School in 1982. Known as the "protector of the family," there was more than one person who got a black eye for messing with her family or siblings.

A gifted athlete, Darlene played basketball throughout high school and continued her basketball career in college at Kalispell Community College.

In 1987, Darlene married Vaughn Thurston, and together they welcomed two children (Tyrel and Echo). Though their marriage later ended in divorce, family always remained at the center of Darlene's life. In 2000, she married the love of her life, Clint Pearce, and together they welcomed another child (Logan). Clint and Darlene shared many wonderful years filled with adventure, laughter, and unwavering companionship. Darlene lived life with enthusiasm and embraced every opportunity to be outdoors. During her earlier years Darlene loved team penning, softball, horses, and spending time at Rodeo Bible Camp (teenage years). Driving grain truck for Grandpa Dickson and helping around the farm and ranch were things that brought her great joy.

She was passionate about all kinds of hunting and loved carrying on the houndsman tradition her father and grandfather started before her. The last several years her favorite thing was being the "elk watcher" spending hours glassing them from her favorite spot and reporting her observations of their movements to anyone who would listen. Whether she was in the saddle, in the mountains, or surrounded by family and friends, Darlene's strong spirit, generous heart, and infectious smile left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Over the last couple years Darlene spent a lot of time helping her cousin Mikey with the cows, something she really enjoyed doing that brought her happiness.

Darlene was very involved in the Denton community, driving bus, including the bus for the kids sports trips, helping with the booster club, and coaching little league, where they won a championship in 2011.

Above all else, Darlene treasured her family. She was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose love and encouragement touched countless lives. In the last year, two of her greatest moments were welcoming her first grandchild and attending her son's wedding.

She is survived by her parents, Richard and Shirley Wilson; her husband, Clint Pearce; her sister, Melody Wilson; her brother, Luke Wilson; her surrogate siblings, Carrie Johnson, David McGuire, and Eric Tolliver; her beloved cousin Mike Wilson, her children, Tyrel (Diana) Thurston, Echo (Kyle) Davis, and Logan Pearce; her cherished granddaughter, Kali Davis; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Dean and Ruth Stroup and George and Clara Wilson; her brother, Nick Wilson; and her nephew, Austin Wilson.

Darlene will be remembered for her strong spirit, deep love of family, steadfast faith, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the memories her family and friends will carry with them forever.

The family will hold a private burial for Darlene Pearce on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in the morning. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Denton Town Hall, 515 Broadway Ave., Denton, MT 59430. Family and friends are warmly invited to join in celebrating Darlene's remarkable life and sharing memories of the woman who meant so much to so many. The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Condolences may be shared online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.