"Mother is the word for God on the lips and the hearts of all children."   Darlene Keith, 66, died peacefully at home Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005.   Darlene was born on April 15, 1939, in Meaderville to William Jesse and Elvera Bugni Marsh.   She spent her grade school years attending Webster Garfield, and went on to graduate from Butte High School in 1957 and from there her life began.   After high school she pursued her career in finance both in Butte and Mesa, Ariz.

      She then returned to Butte, met and married Paul "Sandy" Keith on Aug. 26, 1976.   Together they operated Keith Travel Agency and later ventured into their industry of choice the tavern and restaurant business.

      The Acoma Lounge and Supper Club was their first venture and later they went on to own the Red Rooster Supper Club.   Darlene and Sandy shared a passionate Celtic-Italian relationship.   As Sandy said "she was a great cook and lover and the strongest woman he ever knew."   They enjoyed an active social life and Darlene was the ultimate hostess.

      Throughout their years, Darlene and Sandy enjoyed traveling throughout the world, seeing far away places like Tunisia, Ecuador, Tahiti, Europe and many other exotic places.

      Darlene shared a special bond with her sister, Diane Peterson, as well as a lifelong love of their Italian heritage.   They often reveled in their strong childhood memories of their early days in Meaderville.   Darlene could be seen expressing herself through her Italian gestures and expressions.

      Darlene's life was blessed by the birth of her daughter, Renee.   Renee was truly Darlene's light of her life.   Not a day passed that hours were not spent on the phone together.   As close as they were, their bond became even stronger through the past several months as her health began to fail.   Renee will forever cherish their relationship and their time together.   The family bond strengthened with the addition of Patrick.   A special mother-son relationship was shared between Darlene and Pat.   Pat felt that she was his best friend and that he could talk to her about anything.

      She was preceded in death by her parents,   sister, Diane Peterson,   half-sister, Marcelle Ninoa,   beloved nephew, Cooper.

      She is survived by her husband, Sandy;   daughter, Renee Keith Blom and son-in-law Mike Blom;   son and daughter-in-law, Pat and Robbie Keith;   brother-in-law, Curtis Peterson;   sister and brother-in-law, Bourke and Herb Tasker;   nieces and spouses, Rhonda Peterson, Stacey and David Ballew and family, Shelly and Shane Andersen and Beth Tasker; nephews and spouses, Treak and Mary Tasker and family, Bob and Kendra Tasker and family, Chris Tasker;   and special Bugni and MacDonald families.

      Darlene shared many endearing friendships throughout her years and to all of you:   La Dolce Vita.

      Relatives and Friends may call Friday after 5 p.m. at Duggan Dolan Chapel for visitation.   Parish Rosary services will be recited at 6 p.m.   Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Patrick's church.   Cremation will take place following the Mass.

      Memorials:   American Diabetes Association, Children's Heart Foundation and Highland Hospice.

      Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com/obits.