Darlene Nelson Bee, 91, of Montpelier, Idaho, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 4, 2026, following a short stay at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital.

Darlene was born to Fritz and Cora Teuscher on August 17, 1934, in Montpelier, Idaho. She grew up on a homestead in Geneva, Idaho, and attended school in both Geneva and Montpelier. Darlene met Dean Nelson just before he left for the Korean War. They corresponded for two years while he was away and married on November 22, 1952, just two weeks after he returned home.

Darlene and Dean lived in Idaho Falls for the first few years of their marriage before returning to the Bear Lake Valley, living in Bloomington and eventually Paris. They had two daughters: Sandy, born in 1954, and Vickie, born in 1959. For the majority of her adulthood, Darlene stayed at home to raise her daughters, though she worked for a short time as a CNA at the local nursing home. Dean and Darlene enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, and dancing. They spent their happiest times Dutch-oven cooking on their patio, watching the Cutter Races, hosting family gatherings, and tending to their garden.

Following Dean's passing in 1996, Darlene moved to Montpelier in 2003. On August 17, 2006, she married Bill Bee. Together, they enjoyed gardening, fishing, and keeping each other company throughout their later years until Bill's passing in September 2013.

Darlene lived independently for the remainder of her life, taking great pride in caring for herself and driving her own car. She cherished her afternoons spent going on drives, eating lunch, and playing board games with her dear sister, Maxine Michaelson. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Darlene enjoyed visiting-teaching and attending the Montpelier 3rd Ward.

Darlene leaves behind a great legacy of posterity. She loved every visit with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was known for being immaculately put together, her incredible cooking, her beautiful housekeeping, and her gardening. She had an adorable giggle and remained incredibly caring until her final breath.

Darlene is survived by her younger sister, Maxine Michaelson; her daughters, Sandy (Mark) Fugate and Vickie (John) Passey; six grandchildren: Billie (Jeremy) Rigby, Flint (Tara) Parker, Shasta (Stuart) Critchlow, Torie (Tyson) Briegel, Levi (Crysta) Hymas, and Dahji (Jeff) Blonski; 22 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Her step-children, David (Connie) Bee, Glen (Richele) Bee, John (Linda) Bee, Rodney (Karen) Bee, Kathy (David) Veleska, Howard (Melanie) Bee, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, ten of her eleven siblings, and her spouses, Dean and Bill. Her family takes comfort in knowing there has been a beautiful reunion.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 12:00 pm in the Montpelier 3rd Ward Chapel with a viewing prior to the services from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.