Darrell Stephens

Darrell Stephens passed away April 21, 2023 at his family home in Billings, MT after an extended period of declining health. His mother, as always, was at his side. Darrell entered this world on July 3, 1959 despite a premature birth (1 lb 15 oz) and losing his stillborn twin Daniel. He was given unconditional love by his very hard-working mother and father, siblings, and extended family to help him on his journey through life.
Darrell felt the bias, fear, and even anger of those who didn't want to understand his mental retardation and those like him, exacerbated by his speech difficulties and later mental illness. He endeavored to have as normal and independent of a life as possible: graduating from high school, working at McDonalds, living at group homes - some where he suffered abuse. He endured mental and physical abuse yet again at state facilities in Warm Springs and Boulder, where he was placed without his parent's consent after being in local psychiatric facilities. He was released from Boulder only after legal intervention and society's recognition of the abuse and neglect at Boulder that ultimately shut down much of that facility. Since his freedom in 2015 from Boulder, he had been content and enjoyed life living with his mother and father at the family home in Billings.
He loved to be at family gatherings and visiting with relatives. Darrell immensely enjoyed dining out, loved dogs, and until his health declined, his daily walks. He kept himself entertained with his very extensive and eclectic CD and DVD collection, as well as his favorite TV shows. Darrell enjoyed swimming for many years, with cousins Peggy O'Leary, Janet Bridger, and Rod Friedt taking him to the YMCA and often out for lunch to give his parents some respite. Cousins Deanne O'Leary-Pratt and Laura Weber visited the family often from out of state. Darrell always looked forward to visits from his out of state siblings, as well as his sister in town.
Darrell is survived by his beloved and ever caring mother Gertrude, brother Vince (Crystal) of Erie CO, sister Julie Abbate (Charlie) of Oyster Bay NY, sister Shelley Fagg of Billings, 7 nieces and nephews, and 3 great nieces. He was pre-deceased by his father David in 2016 and sister in-law Arlene in 2017. He is finally at peace, in God's hands and the promised land with his father and brother, ready for when they are joined by his mother and the rest of his family. Although his passing saddened us all, his mother can finally be relieved of her concerns if she would have passed before him. No services are planned at this time.