Darlene Ines Buchanan, 84 of Rapid City, passed away on December 20, 2024 at Monument Hospital in Rapid City, with close friends by her side.

Darlene was born in Scotland, South Dakota on August 28, 1940 to Leona and Emil Weisser. The oldest of four children, she worked alongside her father on the farm and shared household duties with her mother. After her siblings were born, she helped care for them.

Darlene enrolled in beauty college after the family moved to Rapid City, South Dakota in 1958. Among her proudest accomplishments was graduating near the top of her class and starting a longtime career as a beautician.

Darlene married Brunell “Buck” Buchanan on October 29, 1961 in Rapid City, South Dakota. The family enjoyed traveling, especially to Buck’s home state of Florida.

Darlene and Buck owned several Rapid City, South Dakota businesses, including mobile home parks and other property rentals. They enjoyed participating in many local clubs and activities, including the VFW, Black Hills Snowmobile Club, bowling, classic car clubs and especially racing their # 57 Chevy at Black Hills Speedway, where they shared many great memories, earned numerous trophies and made longtime friendships.

Darlene was a gifted seamstress and talented artist, winning countless ribbons and awards every year at the Central States Fair as a member of the Black Hills China Painters Club. She excelled at painting many different subjects on a variety of mediums, from flowers to wildlife and lifelike portraits.

Most recently Darlene was a member of the Word of Hope Church in Rapid City, South Dakota, where she made many close friends. Additionally, she formed new friendships when she moved to There’s A Hart assisted living facility in May 2023. She enjoyed attending Thursday luncheons and dances at the Minneluzehan Senior Citizens Center.

Darlene is survived by her siblings, Loretta (LeRoy) Konop, LeRoy (Linda) Weisser and Jean Bremer; two daughters, Kelly (Martin) Renner and Stacie (Dan) French of Rapid City, South Dakota; four grandchildren, Alyssa (Troy) Goeden-Shamblen, Jason (Tiffini) French, Rian (Chris) French and Tayler McCarty; and six great grandchildren, Mackenzie and Mason Shamblen, Carson and Kimber French, and Swayzee and Sawyer Burns.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Buck; and grandson, Kingston Burns.

Graveside services will be at Black Hills National Cemetery Friday, January 17 at 9:30 a.m.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled at Word of Hope Church, 1351 Jolly Ln., Rapid City at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 18 with Pastor Lyz Awe officiating. Refreshments and a time for fellowship will follow.