Darrell R. Chauvet

Surrounded in love, with his family at his side, lifelong Big Sandy resident, Darrell Chauvet passed peacefully at the Big Sandy Medical Center on Thursday, September 17, 2026. He was 79.

Born in Havre, MT on December 14, 1946, Darrell lived his entire life on the family farm/ranch, established in 1919 by his grandfather, Henry Chauvet. He attended Big Sandy schools, graduating with the class of 1965. He attended Northern Montana College (now MSU-Northern) for three years, but left college before attaining a degree- a fact he often regretted. Darrell married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jo Ritland, June of 1967 and they began their life together working on the ranch. The early years were far from easy. To make ends meet, and support his family, Darrell supplemented by working as a basketball official, school bus driver, and taking odd jobs whenever available. In 1985 he took over management of the ranch.

Darrell served two terms on the local school board. During this time, he was awarded the honorary chapter farmer award for his support of FFA. He had fond, fun memories of his own school years, and was especially happy to see the recent improvements made in the school courtyard.

Darrell was a past member of the Big Sandy volunteer fire department, as well as an ambulance driver and first responder. A former board member of the Big Sandy Medical Center, Darrell was also a past member of Big Sandy Rotary, MT Grain Growers, and MT Stockgrowers, serving 4 years as a board member for the Montana Stockgrowers Association. Darrell especially enjoyed the wonderful friendships he made during his 12 years on the Chouteau County Fair Board, working with the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs.

A member of Christ Lutheran Church, Darrell knew the blessings of each season were made possible only by the grace of God.

Darrell put the welfare of his family before everything else. His love for his children was deep and unwavering. He was extremely proud of their success in life. When the grandchildren arrived, Darrell acquired ‘Papa Powers’ that were unsurpassed. Rowdy antics, laughter, fun, and oh so much love, was the name of the game. Papa was a new man!

Darrell and Betty Jo were blessed to have shared 59 wonderful years of marriage. They were a team, both worked better because of the other. Realizing life is short, and needing to enjoy some of the fruits of their labor, they began their travel adventures with a cruise to Hawaii on their 25th wedding anniversary. Many cruises, bus tours, and road trips followed, with wonderful memories and friendships being made along the way.

Darrell struggled with dementia for the past 3 ½ years, this last year being extremely difficult. It troubled him deeply to think of the need to go to a care facility. God answered our prayers, and he was able to live at home until 5 days before his passing.

Cremation has taken place, and a private burial will take place on the family ranch.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Betty Jo; children, Scott (Lori), Shelley Von Stein (Joe), and Shane (Erica); grandchildren, Reed and Rhett Von Stein, Fischer Brown, Kason Brown and Kash Chauvet, and Ella, Emma, and Sawyer Chauvet; siblings, Rick Chauvet (Yufen), and Carol Steven.

In honor of Darrell’s upcoming 80th birthday, his family will be celebrating a life well lived at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, December 12, 2026, with one last ranch meal, a time for loving reflection, and fellowship at the Jerry Martin Memorial Hall in Big Sandy. Darrell loved a gathering of friends. We invite you to join us in honoring him.