Darlene Blake of Spearfish passed away Friday, December 3, 2010, at the Hospice House in Rapid City, following a long bout with cancer.

Darlene was born November 23, 1924, to Steve and Martha Jackson at Canton.She grew up on the family farm and attended Wiggins Country School and Augustana Lutheran High School in Canton. She moved to Spearfish to be near her sister, Ardis Sorenson in 1947.

In 1950, Darlene married Bill Blake of Spearfish.

Darlene worked at First National Bank in Spearfish for many years and for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. Darlene and Bill purchased the Queen City Motel in Spearfish, which they operated from 1964 to 1974.

Darlene greatly enjoyed traveling and her many friends. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church and a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

She is survived by her sister, Ardis Sorenson of Rapid City; her niece, Ardeen Bass of Ruidoso, N.M.; her nephew, Jay Sorenson of Lincoln, Calif.; as well as a great-niece, two great-nephews and numerous cousins in eastern South Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; and her son, Dennis.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, December 16 at Our Savior's Church in Spearfish with Pastor Kent Stillson officiating. Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery.