Darlene "Dea" Mae (Cook) Poindexter, 77, died of natural causes on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Great Falls, Montana. Benton Funeral Home is in charge of the cremation. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Dea was born May 31, 1945, to Henry and Bertha Cook of Big Sandy. She was the third of 13 children. She attended Eagleton Country School through the 8th Grade and then attended Big Sandy High School, graduating in 1963.

In 1966, she met and married her life partner, John Poindexter. Together they raised four daughters on the family farm NW of Geraldine. It was here, where she enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, and sewing. Her pride and joy was being able to provide for her family. In
1986 they moved into Geraldine where she managed Mike's Café. She drew crowds from all over with her Sunday specials but was even more notorious for her homemade cinnamon rolls. Having a home daycare was her next adventure, where she loved caring for all the little ones,
bringing her tons of joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Bertha Cook; her father and mother in-law,
Robert and Pauline Poindexter; one sister, Delores Axtman; one brother, Sidney Cook; and one
nephew, Richard Cook, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, John; her daughters
Tracie Poindexter of Helena; Tami (Dan) Stine and Dena Salois, both of Geraldine; Kristy
Poindexter of Billings, 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 5 brothers, 5 sisters, many brother
and sister in-laws, multiple nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.

"A wife, mother, and a grandmother too, this is the legacy we have from you." Dea passed away
peacefully surrounded by her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Geraldine Ambulance or Benefis Mercy Flight.