Our Staff

Lee Darlington

Owner, Funeral Director, Crematory Operator

Lee Darlington is the founder, owner and the heart and soul of Darlington Cremation and Burial Service. He diligently ensures the personalized care, attention to detail, and profound respect that are the foundations of Darlington are fulfilled with every family member. Lee with the help of his  wife Amber, and close-knit staff, have created a no-pressure, affordable, fully inclusive environment and packages.  Amber and Lee have spent endless hours tailoring their beloved funeral home to create a completely customizable space to honor your loved one.

Lee was born in Dover, New Jersey and moved around the country with his family due to his father’s engineering career for the Kaiser Corporation and his mother’s nursing career. Lee Darlington enjoyed a childhood full of adventure following his parent’s careers and his own career path and has lived all over the United States; from New Jersey, Washington, California, West Virginia, Utah, Idaho, Kentucky, Texas, Washington DC, Montana, and as far as New Zealand. Through these travels he immersed himself in varying cultures, religions and traditions, shaping him into the intuitive funeral director that he is today.

Lee graduated from Goldendale High School in Goldendale, Washington. He attended university at BYU-Idaho, Utah Valley State College, The Armed Forces Academy of Health Sciences, Purdue University, and San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. He served in the US Army as a 91D Surgical Technologist at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Early on, he humbly carried out his mission for the church in New Zealand. He worked in healthcare as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Certified Registered Central Services Technologist (CRCST), and Materials Management. Lee has served as a funeral director, embalmer, crematory operator, and manager and trainer/mentor for over two and a half decades.

Amber Darlington

Owner, Office Manager, Funeral Assistant

Amber Darlington is the Matriarch and Owner of Darlington Cremation and Burial. She enjoyed her small-town childhood in Goldendale, Washington. She loved growing up surrounded by family. She graduated from Goldendale High School as well and attended college at Columbia River Gorge Community College and Clark College. Amber met and married the love of her life, Lee in 1997.  Lee and Amber have been blessed with five loving children; Jay (Gina) and grandchildren Alex, Emily and Caleb, Janelle (Alex) and granddaughter Leila, Nathan, Hailee (Bryce) and Madison (Hudson). She has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, in healthcare business offices, and in flood insurance processing in billing and accounting.

Amber’s nurturing compassion has created the coveted culture at Darlington. When not tirelessly caring for our families, she can be found tending to the growth of every one of her employees, and cultivating Darlington’s involvement in the community through groups such as the Evergreen and Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce, and the American Legion Auxiliary. She finds peace mowing the lawn or plowing snow, devours all things Disney, is an active member of the church, and can be found cruising the streets of Kalispell with Lee in their Dodge Charger.   

Olivia Urbush

Funeral Director Intern/Crematory Operator/Notary

April Rhodes

Crematory Operator, Funeral Assistant

April Rhodes was born into the funeral industry, growing up in Aberdeen, Washington, where her grandfather and father ran the family-owned funeral home. After graduating, April earned her CNA license and balanced her time between assisting at the family funeral home and working at the local hospital.

April eventually made her way to Montana, where she fell in love with the valley and decided to make it her home. A devoted wife and soon-to-be mother, April is married to Philip, a state trooper, and they are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their baby boy in October. They share their home with a loyal German Shepherd named Depot.

April is known for her deep dedication to her family and friends. She has a passion for baking and can often be found in the kitchen, whipping up delicious treats. April's warm smile and compassionate nature reflect the love and care that she brings to every family that walks through the doors at Darlington's, where she truly is the heart of the family.

Doug Bennett

Funeral Assistant

Doug Bennett, was born in Hobbs, New Mexico. An experienced LPN, Surgical Technologist, and served 31 years in the US Army. He served three deployments overseas.  Doug has been an honored employee of Darlington Cremation and Burial for many years. When not puttering around the house he can be found tending to his garden, chickens, or out honing his marksmanship.  Doug’s heart has been stolen by the Montana outdoors and people. 

Carter Purdy

Funeral Assistant

Carter Purdy was born and raised in Kalispell, Montana. He is the second youngest in his family of six. He grew up playing baseball since he was six, and continued playing until he was eighteen. He then graduated from Glacier High School. After graduation he left on a two-year proselyting mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served people in the state of Nebraska, and the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. As a result of his experiences, he became a fluent Spanish speaker. He enjoyes spending time with his family and friends, playing sports, and hiking and exploring northwest Montana. 

Braden Cahoon

Funeral Assistant

Braden Cahoon, a Montana native, has lived in the beautiful state for 16 years. A proud graduate of Glacier High School, Braden is the youngest of five siblings. After recently returning from serving in the Marines, he has brought his strong sense of duty and compassion to our team. Braden is passionate about serving families during their time of need, offering care and understanding to every individual he meets.

Outside of work, Braden takes full advantage of Montana’s natural beauty. He enjoys skiing, hiking, boating, and exploring the great outdoors. His love for nature mirrors his dedication to helping others, as he aspires to become a Paramedic in the near future.

Ricky McCracken

Funeral Assistant

Ricky McCracken, the fifth of seven siblings, has been a cherished member of our community for many years. Born in Roswell, New Mexico, Ricky made Montana his home 24 years ago before briefly returning to New Mexico. Six years ago, he came back to the beautiful valley he loves so much.

Ricky has dedicated over five years to serving as a Volunteer Firefighter, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to helping others. He also works at the Flathead County Jail, where he's been a valued employee for the past year.

This year has been particularly special for Ricky as he got engaged to his fiancée, Shelby. Together, they enjoy the natural beauty of the valley, spending their free time fishing, kayaking, and hunting.

Ricky is known for his gentle nature and kind spirit, qualities that have endeared him to many. His dedication to serving the community and his love for the outdoors are just a few of the many reasons he is so deeply respected and loved by those who know him.