Tracey Lynn Wixsten-Darlow, age 58, passed away peacefully at her home in Butte on January 5, 2026.
Tracey was born on September 15, 1967, in Butte, Montana, to Randy and Pat (Rennie) Wixsten. She was raised in Butte, where she attended Longfellow Elementary School and later graduated from Butte High School. She went on to continue her education at Kinman University.
In July of 1998, Tracey married Mark Darlow in Butte, beginning a partnership that remained central to her life. Throughout her career, Tracey dedicated herself to helping others through her work in the medical field. She spent the majority of her professional life as a phlebotomist, serving patients at St. James Healthcare in Butte, the St. James Cancer Center, and the Rocky Mountain Lab.
Outside of work, Tracey was a fan of Bobcat games, cherished time spent at Canyon Ferry and loved boating and traveling. Most of all, she valued time shared with family and friends, creating memories that will be deeply treasured.
Tracey is preceded in death by her sister, Patty Wixsten; her cousin, Sarah Wixsten; and her grandparents, Ed & Mae Seyler, and Alfred & Marie Haugen.
Tracey is survived by her husband, Mark Darlow; her children, Nichole (Justin) Fabricius, Brandi (Dan) Weldon, and Brodie (Tayvia) Darlow; parents Randy and Pat Wixsten; brother Randy (Debbie) Wixsten; grandchildren Jaxson & Cole Fabricius, Bradley Adreon, and Alec, Kyler, Maebrie, and Eloise Darlow; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Memorial Service for Tracey is planned for Wednesday, January 14th, with visitation beginning at 10AM, service at 11AM, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 2300 Florence Ave in Butte, immediately followed by a reception.
Axelson Funeral & Cremations is privileged to care for Tracey and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Tracey.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday January 14, 2026
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
2300 Florence Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday January 14, 2026
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
2300 Florence Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following Service
Wednesday January 14, 2026
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
2300 Florence Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday January 14, 2026
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
2300 Florence Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday January 14, 2026
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
2300 Florence Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following Service
Wednesday January 14, 2026
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
2300 Florence Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
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Kay Kelly says
I am so sorry and shocked to hear about Tracey. I didn’t know she was having problems again. We had so many good times together for many years. She always went out of her way to do nice things for me. I will miss her as many will. My thoughts and prayers are with Marc, Niki, her mom and dad and her whole family that she talked about all the time. Rest in Peace Tracey!
Kathy Gonzalez says
We are so sorry to hear about Tracy. She was such a loving and caring person. She will be missed. Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark and Niki and to her famlies. May she rest in peace.💔🙏❤️
Robin Partelow says
So sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers to all her lived ones. She qas such a wonderful person
Susan Yelenich says
My heart is broken. I am so sorry to hear of Tracey’s passing. She was a kind, caring person with a huge heart. She will be missed.
Julia Wilson says
I am so sorry to hear of Traci’s passing. She was a very caring person. Thinking of her family
JANEL Rowe Plants Nelson says
I am so sorry to hear about tracey’s passing,we were chidhood best friends,we lost touch but she was always in my heart,she will be very missed because if she was the same person when we were kids she touch alot of hearts along the way,i will be forever be grateful to know the great person she was ,forever in my heart ,heaven got a great angel,say hi to my mom for me,xoxo
Lillian Sullivan says
We are all so very sorry to hear of the loss of Tracey. Such a wonderfully beautiful lady!! We will miss your smile, laughter and personality. Thank you for being such a great friend, mom, fur mama, and your favorite part of life, a grandmother! Mark, Nikki, Justin, we are praying for you and the entire family. I just know Tracey was at that Bobcat game cheering them on! All our love Jerry, Lillian, Crysta, Casey and Kara.
Karen Kane says
I am so sorry to read this about Tracy. She always had such a great attitude and was fun. My sympathy to Marc anemd the rest of her family.
Missy mccaul says
So very sorry to hear this about Tracy. She was always fun to be around and so upbeat. I will miss her smiling face. Marc please know you and all your family are prayed for through this.
Becky Mattila says
I am so sorry to hear of Tracey’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Marc and all of her families RIP❤️
Amanda VanMeter says
Tracey, you will be missed so much! It is not goodbye, it is I will see you later. I will miss your sassiness and smile sister. Love you- Mandy VanMeter (lab sister and friend)
Bev Pollock says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Tracey’s loved ones. She will be missed so much.❤️
Bonnie Eva-Tenold says
Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry to hear about Tracey passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family.
Phyllis Mccullar says
Tracey will be missed by so many. She was a wonderful friend and coworker. My thought and prayers are with you all.
Mark you are in my thoughts and prayers and if there is anything I can do for you please let me know. Maybe Tracey will see Keith in heaven and give him a hug for me.
Marla Rude Ratzlaff says
I am so sorry for the families loss. I have some very fond memories of Tracey and the family from our grade school days. praying for all.
Norbury says
Mark are deepest heartfelt condolences to all of the family. We send this with broken hearts love and prayers. Merlin and Elle Norbury
Elena Nelson says
I’m so sorry to hear about Tracey. Her memory lives on through her family and friends.
Luanne MacDonald says
So very sorry for your loss. She was a great lady and wife of my cousin Mark. She will be greatly missed.
CARLYE HANSEN says
Oh, my friend, my heart is broken. You were always so happy and so much fun to be around. Nothing like those days at St. James in our little cubby. You were one of the most sassy and yet kindest person I have known and will miss you dearly. My most sincere love and sympathy to Mark and all of the family. She will forever be your guardian angel. Rest in peace, Tracey.
Dot Warner says
So sorry to hear. We grew up in the Longfellow neighborhood and worked together in the medical field. Wixstens were a great family