Alfreda Hindoien

Alfreda "Darlene" Hindoien passed away from complications of a massive stroke the morning of August 29, 2024, at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena. Darlene was born November 29, 1939, in Great Falls, MT to Alfred and Adelma "Mickie" Shelmerdine (Magee) as their only child. Darlene attended school in Choteau, MT and graduated from Choteau High School in 1958. She went on to graduate from Montana State University in Bozeman where she was a member of the A O Pi Sorority and continued postgraduate work at the University of Iowa.

Darlene married Gary Hindoien on June 29, 1963, at Holy Family Church in Great Falls, and their family of three sons started the following year in November with the birth of Jeff, and in January of 1966, they had twins Chris and Kirk. They made their lives in Great Falls, until 1991 when they moved to Clancy, MT where she remained until her move back to Helena in 2019.

Darlene had many careers throughout her life, but the most important one was to be a mother, subsequently grandmother and great grandmother. She taught school for the Great Falls Public Schools system and spent many years as a Realtor in the Great Falls area prior to the move to Helena.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Mickie Shelmerdine, her husband, Gary, and a granddaughter, Rachel.

She is survived by her children, Jeff (Jill) Hindoien, Kirk (Barb) Hindoien, Chris (Tammy) Hindoien; grandchildren, Luke Hindoien, Sahara Sizemore, Cheyenne Hindoien, Gary Hindoien , Ashley (Josh) Belanger; step-grandchildren, Dustin (Hope) Collins, Melissa Collins; 10 great grandchildren; and many other extended family members.

At her request there will be no public services, a Private Family Graveside Service will take place at Fort Harrison at a later date. Our family wishes to thank the staff of St. Pete's Hospital and their comfort care facility. Memorials are suggested to Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison in lieu of flowers.