RAPID CITY | Darlene Knutson, 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and her dog Jackson at a daughter's home in Bloomington, MN, on Friday, Oct. 30, 2015. Her final wish was fulfilled and that was to have a beautiful and gracious death enveloped in love. She had a rare form of multiple myeloma. Darlene was born at home on Jan. 10, 1935, to Floyd and Myrtle Morrison near Mitchell, SD. She was fourth in a family of 14 children. The many responsibilities that came with farming and a large family provided the foundation for a strong work ethic and a love of the outdoors, earth, people and animals that she passed on to her children. She graduated from Mitchell High School in 1953. During her years there she was in Glee Club and also participated in 4-H activities showing dairy cows. Darlene married Marion "Knute" Knutson in Mitchell on May 31, 1957. They moved to Rapid City. Here, they started their family and had three daughters, Katherine "Kate," Vicky, and Rebecca "Joey." In 1964, Marion's job took the family overseas. At this time Patrick "Pat" was born in Pakistan. The family experienced many other countries including India, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and the Fiji Islands. Afterwards they moved back to Rapid City, where she has resided since. It was there that Mathew "Matt" was born. In the earlier years she was able to be at home for her children. After they got older she held various jobs including banquets at Pretty Pines Party House, selling various products out of her home, keeping books at Diamond Lumber and for Dr. Kovarik. Her most important and loved occupation was when, at the age of 64, she completed coursework to become a certified massage therapist. The gift of touch was her calling and she was instrumental in providing pain relief and a sense of well being to her clients. Even after being diagnosed with cancer she continued to massage some of her special patients. She was always available to her friends and family and there was always food on the table. When people went to the Knutson residence they would likely experience the smells of fresh cinnamon rolls, buns or pies. There were beautiful flower and vegetable gardens along with a menagerie of cats, dogs, horses, cows, chickens, roosters, and guineas. Many birthday parties and celebrations were held at her home and more than just her own children called her mom. Darlene encouraged her children to participate in a variety of activities and she was there while they did it. Her children came first and she believed it was essential that they were mentally and physically challenged. She attended 4-H horse shows, Girl and Boy Scouts, Special Olympics, baseball, softball, swimming, bowling, track and field, cross country, motocross, bicycling, gymnastics, skiing, and wake boarding. At one point Darlene had her five children attending five different schools. She was a tireless advocate ensuring that children with special needs received educational opportunities and helped create the beginnings of the Little Redbrick Schoolhouse which Vicky and her friends attended at a time where the mentally challenged were relegated to warehouse systems such as the Redfield facility. Her tenacity and persistence in helping Vicky achieve all that she could was remarkable. She ignored the medical recommendation of institutionalization and instead became relentless in teaching Vicky to walk and talk. The lesson in this for the siblings was that all life is substantial and precious. In her later years she enjoyed spending time with friends and family in Deadwood. This is where she met Larry Blessing from Newcastle, WY, on Sept. 17, 1999. They spent 16 wonderful years together and were very best friends and sweethearts. He was an important part of the family and was there for Darlene and cared for her until she passed. She is survived by her children: Dr. Katherine "Kate" Knutson (Dr. Steve Barghusen), Bloomington, MN, Rebecca "Joey" Knutson, Black Hawk, Patrick "Pat" Knutson (Kristin), Spicewood, TX, and Mathew Knutson, Rapid City; former husband, Marion "Knute" Knutson, Rapid City; her sweetheart and best friend , Larry Blessing, Newcastle, WY; 11 brothers and sisters: Evelyn Walters, Letcher, Vivian "Dee" (Don) DeJong, Craig, CO, Floyd "Jr" (Shirley) Morrison, Mitchell, Walter "Sonny" (Schirley Ann) Morrison, Mitchell, Shirley Bowman, Mitchell, Beverly Perry, Spearfish, Karen (Dave) Jorgenson, Mitchell, Carolyn Ruth Morrison, Darwin "Butch" (Jean) Morrison, Mitchell, Cheryl "Cherie" (Greg) Deis, Destrehan, LA, and Lloyd "Buddy" (Jane) Morrison, Mitchell; brother-in-law, Eugene "Red" Doering, Fort Collins, CO; four grandchildren: Alicia Cuny, LaTosha Barnes, Chase Knutson, and Tucker Knutson; two great-grandchildren: Vanessa Cuny and Dontae Barnes; and numerous family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Douglas Morrison; daughter, Vicky Knutson; sister, Mary Doering; brothers-in-law, Samuel Perry, Leland Walters, and Dean Bowman; and nephew, Joseph "Joey" Morrison. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Bob Jacobs officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. A luncheon and celebration will be held at the Naja Shriner's building on Sturgis Road following services.