Russel Harley Darlington, 70, passed away Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Benefis Missouri River Medical Center in Fort Benton, after battling pancreatic cancer. Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Russel's life will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Big Sandy High School Auditorium with Pastor John Mordon officiating. A gathering of friends and family will be held at Rick and Brenda Darlington's shop immediately after the service. Memorial contributions in Russel's honor may be made to the Big Sandy Pool or to a memorial to help children that are being trafficked. Please visit Russel's online memorial to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at www.bentonfh.com.

Russel was born January 11, 1955, in Havre, Montana to Robert and Marlene (Dyer) Darlington. He grew up Southeast of Big Sandy, Montana off of birch creek, which was tucked between the Bear Paw Mountains and the Missouri River Breaks. He graduated from Big Sandy in 1973 and began working for Bear Paw Lumber, The Faber Ranch, Montana Power Co., a self-employed Carpenter and was a dedicated rancher who successfully operated his own ranch, even as a single father of 3.

Russel truly cared about people, his neighbors and community were very important to him, always there to offer a helping hand whenever he could. He was active in his church, caring about being the hands and feet of Christ. He attended the church mission trips, traveling to Honduras and helped finance and care for multiple international children. Russel loved ranching and farming, especially at his family's home place. He enjoyed any opportunity to connect with his extended family members, his uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins, those being some of his fondest memories.

In his younger years Russel's adventurous spirit led him to ride motocross and also to participate in hill climbing. He was a talented horseman and entertained the challenge of training, breaking and roping them. Russel was a gifted carpenter and welder; he could fabricate almost anything. If you had an idea, you would just tell Russel because he could create it. He was stubborn and a survivor of two open heart surgeries.

Russel married Darci Gunderson in June of 2008. They enjoyed a life together helping others and spreading the word of Christ. They had a passion for helping children who were abused, and sex trafficked, they shared a love of dancing and even took third place in Montana's Dancing With The Stars. They purchased land in Fort Benton and moved there in 2019. Russel became the primary caretaker of Darci after her life altering accident in 2021. Russel will be remembered for his smile, contagious laugh, and tender heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Marlene (Dyer) Darlington and his brother-in-law, Hal Hanson.

Russel is survived by his wife Darci (Gunderson) Darlington. Three children: daughter, Celeste (Chris) Ayers, two sons; Logan (Brianna) Darlington and Steven Smith – Darlington. Brother, Rick (Brenda) Darlington; two sisters, Cheryl (Rick Sheetz) Darlington and Marlys Hanson. Four step-children; Rossie, Rikki, Jade and Katy and 20 grandchildren.
--