Darlene Bertha Bastian, 88, of Edgemont, S.D., passed away Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. She was born to John and Bertha (Kemper) Gausman August 27, 1922 in Seward County, Neb.

Darlene grew up on a farm near Milford, Neb., and was the youngest of eight children. After high school, she attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees in education. Her professional career was teaching, and she truly loved sharing knowledge with children. She married Dr. James Bastian in 1962 and moved to Edgemont, where she continued her teaching career. She retired in 1987.

Darlene added her beautiful touch to the world through her painting, gardening, baking, quilting and music. She delighted in her family, hosting guests and enjoying the companionship of her Samoyed dogs. She was a devout Nebraska Cornhuskers fan and followed every game, often sitting on the edge of her seat with excitement.

Darlene was an active member of the United Church of Edgemont and spent many years as a Sunday School teacher, organist and pianist. She was also a member of PEO, the Humane Society, the National Education Association, Nebraska State Education Association, South Dakota Education Association and the Edgemont Chamber of Commerce.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers Clarence Gausman, Floyd Gausman, Chester Gausman and Virgil Gausman; and sisters Ida Stallings, Lorene Moeller and Dorothy Carlson.

Survivors include her son Tracy (Valerie) Bastian, Hot Springs, S.D.; stepchildren Jim (Jan) Bastian, Miles City, Mont., Cheryl (Larry) Madsen, Hood River, Ore., and Terry (Roger) Gullickson, St. Charles, Mo.; grandchildren Shelby (Travis) Prichard, Chad (Emily) Madsen, Sterling Sky Bastian and Sierra Dawn Bastian; great-grandchildren Rylee Grace Prichard and Daphne Paige Madsen; faithful companion Bill Morrison; caregiver and special friend Stacy Eckhoff; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Monday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m., at the United Church in Edgemont. An additional service will be held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Friday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m., in Lincoln, Neb. Interment will follow at Lincoln Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Church of Edgemont.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Edgemont and Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home in Lincoln, NE. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.