Mabel "Darlene" Schwend

Mabel “Darlene” Schwend, 72, of Bridger, stepped into eternity whole and complete as she was surrounded by the love and presence of her family. She was there when her children took their first breath and they were by her side when she took her last breath on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at 11:27 p.m., at St. Vincent Healthcare.

Darlene was a lifelong resident of Bridger. She was born to Elmer and Betty Bent on March 16, 1950, in Billings. She married her high school sweetheart, Lonnie Schwend, on Jan. 25, 1969. To that union of 36 years, three beautiful children were born: Wes, Stephanie and Cathy.

Darlene graduated in 1968 from Bridger High School. During her middle and high school years, she excelled at being a cheerleader and playing her flute, as well as being a lead drum majorette for the BHS marching band. Due to her love of horses that she shared with her dad, Elmer, she was also involved in 4-H and the O-Mok-See saddle club in Bridger. Darlene and her mom Betty shared being member of Eastern Star as they would attend meetings together.

Darlene was a very hard worker through all stages of her life and she took pride in every job that she had. While raising her young family and being present for all of their many functions and needs, she worked as a store clerk at Wagner’s Market in Bridger, a scale lady at the beet dump for Western Sugar in Bridger, as well as selling Avon and House of Lloyd Toys over a span of time.

Later in life, when her children were older, she decided to further her own education. She was a proud graduate of Denver Business College in Billings. While attending there, she had a part-time job as a clerk at Brockel’s Chocolates in Billings while still following her kids in their high school and college careers. She used her business degree in a variety of jobs that included running the Lonesome Spur Guest Ranch, being a store clerk at Catherine’s clothing store, a school secretary at Belfry School, managing the Town and Country deli in Bridger and most recently being a secretary at the Carbon County Conservation District office in Joliet, as well as serving as secretary on the Orchard Canal board for Carbon County.

Those who knew Darlene through the years knew her as one who always thought of others and their needs before herself. She would always have plenty to eat for anyone to join in a delicious meal at the Schwend house. She opened up her house for anyone to stay over a night (or longer) and everyone was sure to feel welcomed and well fed during their stay.

She loved her family fiercely, but her grandkids were definitely the cream of the crop. Her life revolved around them. If any of them needed anything, they could count on her. Each one of them had a special place in her heart. She would do just about anything for and with them. Just ask them.

Activities that Darlene enjoyed usually centered around her family. She was always there to support and cheer her family on in anything they participated in. She was their #1 cheerleader! Her other hobbies throughout her years included sewing, ceramics, gardening, cooking, baking, playing piano, doing Sudoku puzzles, playing solitaire on her laptop and buying various things on Facebook.

Darlene will be missed beyond words by everyone who knew and loved her. We take comfort knowing that she is with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, and she no longer knows any pain or sorrow.

Survivors include her son, Wes (Tara) Schwend; daughter Stephanie (Hank) Scarber; grandchildren Stetson, Shaniah and Seannah Schwend, Jessica (Haaken) Syvrud, Clifford Scarber, Savvy and Saige Weimer; great-granddaughter Elsie June Syrud; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends. She also had a very special fur baby and companion, Daisey.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Betty Bent; brother Dean Bent and infant brother Robert Bent; daughter Cathy Weimer; niece Jodi Tuell; father- and mother-in-law Bill and Mary Schwend.

A celebration of life and interment will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at the Belfry Cemetery. Reception at the Belfry School will follow.

Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.