Darlene “Ocean” Burshia, 69, of Great Falls passed peacefully with her family and loved ones at her side on March 14, 2015 at Benefis Hospital of natural causes. A Memorial will be held this Friday, Saturday, Sunday (March 20, 21, & 22) from 1-7pm at Lynn Hallocks’ Residence for anyone who would like to come pay their last respects. A Graveside service will be held later this summer at the Riverside Cemetery in Brockton, Montana.

Darlene was born in Poplar, Montana to Tiburcio and Fannie Oropeza on October 16, 1945 and received the nick name “Ocean” in remembrance of her father who was lost at sea during the war. Ocean went to school till 9th grade in Poplar, where she met and married Larry Burshia. At age 16, Ocean had her first and now oldest daughter of seven children. Later Ocean came to live with her mother Fannie in Billings, for nearly twenty years. After her mother passed away in 1998 Ocean moved to Great Falls where she stayed until her death.

Ocean was a very strong Christian woman. She enjoyed watching Christian programs on television and reading her bible. She diligently prayed every day for her children and everyone she loved so dearly.

Ocean had the most humble and wonderful heart, she will never be forgotten by anyone who ever met and loved her.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

Ocean is survived by her cherished companion, Frank Bostwick of Great Falls; first husband, Larry Burshia of Poplar; daughters, Shelley Duran of Colorado, Haven Burshia of North Dakota; son, Jackson Rae McLees of Washington; sisters, Linda Boyd of Poplar, Pearl Longee Lee of Oklahoma; brother, Darrell Longee of Dillon; 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sons, Louie, Russell, and Garry; daughter, Lori “Orrie”.

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