Darlene Mary "Auntie Dee" Maki was born March 30, 1948, and at age 75 passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on March 13, 2024. She was a beloved aunt, devoted sister, and cherished friend to many, and is now home with her Lord and Savior.

Dee was born and raised in Butte and loved this town and all it offered to her.  She spent her early years on the Butte hill until her sister, Helen, and her parents, Bill and Eda Maki, moved to what would be her last home on Steele Street.  She spent her youth playing with her sister and her many cousins in town and out in Brown's Gulch. She attended Sacred Heart School and later graduated from Butte High School.  Following high school, she attended Montana Tech business school, and went to work for Dr. Joe Herzog, DDS. She was his right-hand man until he retired.  She stayed on working in the office and after more than 45 years as a dental office manager she retired. She was known for her professionalism and kindness towards all who crossed her path. Her true accomplishments, however, were her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, whom she loved unconditionally and supported in all their endeavors. She never missed an event they participated in.

Dee's life was filled with faith, love, and laughter. She was a devout Catholic who attended mass daily and found solace in her relationship with God. Her love for her sister was unwavering, and she treasured the time spent with her family and friends. Dee had a special place in her heart for dogs, and she enjoyed attending all her loved ones' events, from sports games to dance recitals. Even when she didn't have her own kids playing she was a diehard Butte High football fan and could be found bundled up on a Friday night with her hat and gloves rooting them on, and this past fall, when she couldn't attend she listened to every game on the radio.  These Friday nights would be followed by Sunday afternoons rooting on her Green Bay Packers.

Dee always had a smile on her face and a welcoming hug. In her free time, Dee enjoyed ceramics when she was younger, spending summer weekends camping at Georgetown Lake with her mom and dad, and later going for daily walks to enjoy the fresh air. She had a passion for helping others and always went out of her way to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Dee is survived by her sister Helen (Dan) Liva, her nieces Vickie (Dan) Walsh of Helena, their children Gabe, Vanessa, Reegan, and Ethan; Danielle (Brian) Anderson of Butte, their children Andrew, Willie, and Carl; Geno (Jori) Liva, their children Taylor, Anthony, Gianna, and Peyton, and many cousins. Preceding her in death were her parents Bill and Eda, her cousins, Gary Murphy and Shawn Murphy, and her beloved aunts and uncles.

Dee will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and faith will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She is home with Jesus and may she rest in peace.

A special thanks to Bonnie Davies, Debbie Petersen, Copper Ridge Health and Rehab, Stillwater Hospice including Dr. Hueftle's staff in Anaconda, MT for your care and time

Friends may call on Wednesday after 10:00 am in St. Patrick's Catholic Church,  Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am, followed by visitation. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am.  In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter, Saint Jude, or the charity of your choice.