Darlene Elizabeth (VanLent) Busch, 88, of Apple River, Illinois passed away at home on Thursday, December 21, 2023.

She was born on April 26, 1935 in rural Scales Mound, Illinois, the daughter of Frank and Clara (Schonhoff) VanLent.  Darlene married Elmer "Hommie" Busch on December 7, 1951, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Apple River, Illinois.  A life long homemaker, she enjoyed working puzzles, playing bingo, and keeping up with he neighborhood news over coffee.

Surviving are her children; Randy (Jackie) Busch of Warren, Debbie (Alan) Jacox of Steward, Linda Toay of Apple River, Barb (Dan) Haffele of Warren, Monica (Jeff) Cline of Apple River, Matt (Laurie) Busch of Warren, and Amy Busch of Freeport, her daughter-in-law Mary Busch of Darlington, WI.  Darlene is also survived by her 19 grandchildren; Emily (Richard), Megan (Rich), Cody (Kayleigh), Cole, Josh (Susan), Justin (Lindsey), Mallory (Aaron), Dylan, Jamie (Brian), Dawn (Ben), Cammie (Mark), Ryan (Amanda), Betsy (Ryan), Abby (Chad), Ben (Danielle), Adam, Katie, Patrick, and Alex.  She is also survived by 26 great-grandchildren; Lydia, Garrett, Marley, Griffin, Maddox, Audrey, Mathias, Everrett, Elliott, Emmory, Reagan, Taylor, Hannah, Harrison, Autumn, Avery, Ben, Erin, Sean, Kate, Bella, Morgan, Ryker, Lincoln, Isaiah, and Cade, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Elmer, her daughter Beth Ann, and her son Kim.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and her twin sister.

A visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren, Illinois.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Apple River, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory.