Darlyne Shortman

On October 4, Darlyne “Winty” Shortman began her journey, to her eternal resting place, at Havre, Montana. Darlyne graced our world on November 25, 1946, born to Joe and Birdie Mae Shortman at their homesite in Hays, Montana. She grew up and spent most of her lifetime in Hays. She also lived in Arlee, Missoula, Havre, Montana; Spokane, Washington; and Hawthorne, California. Darlyne graduated high school from Flandreau Indian School and also attended college at Salish Kootenai College.

Darlyne had a kind heart and she was a very loving and caring person to everyone. Her greatest joy was to be able to help anyone in their time of need. Darlyne was very immersed in her Native culture and was a traditional dancer. Her portrait , in her regalia, was included in a book of Native dancers. One of her happiest times was when she was dancing. She had many lifelong friends that she met in her travels on the powwow trail. Darlyne’s employment reflected her love of helping people when she worked at MIADS (Missoula Indian Alcohol and Drug Service) in Missoula, the Boys and Girls Club in Hays, the Senior Center and the Eagle’s Manor in Havre. One of her accomplishments that she loved and enjoyed was being a Montana Indian Firefighter. She was proud of this and made many friends. She often told people to “stay gold”, when she, in fact, was our “gold”. Her kindness, caring, beauty, and loving ways will be missed by many.

Darlyne is survived by her children Diane (Eric) Higley of Heyburn, Idaho; Shawn (Elizabeth) Shortman of Flandreau, South Dakota; Shelby (Jennifer) Shortman of Flandreau, South Dakota; and Birdie (Loren) Ukestine of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Darlyne is survived by 21 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She is survived by her siblings Pat Bear and Aloha Shortman of Hays; Marcella and Winona Shortman of Havre; Jolene Shortman of Minnesota; Arleda Shortman of Arlee; Cheryl Von Gulner of North Dakota; and Leon Shortman, of St. Ignatius. She is also survived by elder cousins, Elaine Small and Valmarie Carrywater.; and many, many other cousins. Darlyne was preceded in death by her grandson she raised, Vincent Pablo; her parents, Joseph and Birdie Mae Shortman; her brothers Donald, James, Daryl, and Gary Shortman; one infant siser; uncles Buster and Benny Lodge; aunt Lilly Lodge. Darlyne’s extended relatives include the Carrywater, Lodge, Brockie, Gone, Talks Different, and Spotted Bird families to name a few.

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