Darlene Mae Smith, born May 21, 1930, to parents Byron and Ella (Holland) Kilian, returned to her maker on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

She was raised on the Family Farm near Council Hill, IL and graduated from Scales Mound High School in May of 1948.

Married to Charles Henry Chumbler on August 5, 1948, at Scales Mound Presbyterian. They operated a dairy farm on Stagecoach Trail and raised four children. In addition to helping with the farm, Darlene always had a large vegetable garden, harvested walnuts, cherries and hickory nuts. She peeled apples by the bushel for sauce, pies and dumplings. Darlene loved working with flowers. They moved to Warren in 1971 and she was widowed at 42.

Darlene found love again, and married Delvin Duane Smith in January 1976, and they moved to the Smith Farm on Hwy 78. They enjoyed a life filled with grandchildren, camping, traveling and laughter. They saw a lot of the world via auto, bus, airlines and cruises.

She was generous with her time for community service through her church, Women's Club, Red Cross and Food Pantry.

Darlene was proceeded in death by her parents, Husbands, Sister Elizabeth (Red) Schuller and Brothers Charles, Lyal (Melva) and Alden (Betty) Kilian.

She is survived by her children, Byron (Rose) Chumbler, Elizabeth, IL, Wayne Chumbler, Cresco, IA, Diane (Jim) Fancsali, Aurora, IL and Donna Larson, Warren, IL. 9 Grandchildren-- Tracy (Steven Welch) Wuebben, Forreston, IL; Terry Chumbler, Glendale Heights, IL; Shawn (Karly) Fancsali, Oswego, IL; Courtney (Mickey) Wilson, Cary, NC; Simon (DeAnne) Larson, Beloit, WI; Cory (Connie) Larson, Osseo, WI; Ryan and Ben Chumbler, Elizabeth, IL; Delana (Seth Doyen) Chumbler, Belleville, WI. 6 Great Grandchildren-- Zachary Wuebben, Madison, WI; Coral Wuebben, Nashville, TN; Autumn (Xaiver) Watson, Decaturville, TN; Owen Larson, Beloit, WI; Evan Fancsali, Oswego, IL; Callen Wilson, Cary, NC and 6 Great-Great Grandchildren--Denali, Dakota, Dylan Chumbler, Elizabeth, IL; Ambrose, Kalia & Myra Watson, Decaturville, TN. And one sister-in-law Nadine "Betty" Kilian, Aurora, IL.

She was loved and will be missed by all.

A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00pm on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren, IL.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Warren United Methodist Church in Warren, IL.

A private family burial will take place.