Darlene Wells-Whitford Obituary (1935 - 2016)

Darlene Wells-Whitford, 80, Selfridge, North Dakota, passed away Monday, February 8, 2016, at Sanford Health, Bismarck. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 2-4:00 PM, Saturday, February 13, 2016, at DaWise-Perry Funeral Services, Mandan, with refreshments being served. Burial will be in Lemmon, South Dakota at a later date. Cremation has taken place. Darlene was born April 6, 1935, at Bixby, North Dakota, to Jack and Molly (Redfox) Wells. She was raised and educated in Bixby, Fort Yates, and the Pierre Indian School. Darlene married Henry Whitford, and had four beautiful children before he passed away. She went on to work for several years in a care center helping others. She would always think of others needs before her own. Darlene was the kind of woman you would want to "ride the river with", meaning she would be there for you during good times and bad. Her Native American name "Chante-Waste-Winyan", which means good hearted woman and describes Darlene's personality. She will be deeply missed by many people. She is survived by her spouse, Doug Skye Jr., Selfridge; daughter, Jill Whitford, California; son, Donald Whitford Jr., California; two sisters, Mary and Sylvia; two brothers, Johnny Wells, Lemmon, South Dakota and Lanny Wells, Rapid City, South Dakota; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and special friend, Mary Ann Krauser. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; son, Dean Whitford, four sisters, and two brothers.