Darlene Baber

Age 92 of Diamond, Illinois, died Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, Illinois.

Born in Lorenzo, Illinois on April 9, 1930, Darlene was a daughter of Frank and Dominica “Minnie” (Fornelli) Gross. She was raised and educated in Coal City; graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1948 and went on to attend Beauticians School. On April 18, 1953, Darlene married James A. Baber in Assumption Catholic Church and together they made a home and raised a family together.

Darlene worked as a Beautician out of her home, and most recently at the nursing home in Wilmington until formally retiring at the age of 85. She was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City and served as the Activities Director at Country Meadows in Diamond for many years. She enjoyed flower gardening and baking, and cherished the time spent her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include her two daughters: Anita (Harold) Ryan of Diamond and Cathy Thomas of Joliet; five grandchildren: Timothy (Jen) Ryan of Napa, California, Jennifer (John) Endrst of Coal City, Illinois, Patrick Ryan (Kaity Weiland) of Chicago, Illinois, Ashley Thomas of Joliet and Matt (Jen Valadez) Thomas of Riverside, Illinois; four great grandchildren: Rylee Endrst, Ryan Endrst, Noah Ryan and Cyrus Ryan; one sister-in-law, Adeline Hall of Braidwood, Illinois; special cousin, Rita Willis and special life-long friend, Jessie Kasher, both of Coal City.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband James (1984); loving son-in-law, Charles Thomas and sister, Dorothy (Bill) Wollgast.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Monday, February 27, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. in Assumption Catholic Church, 215 South Kankakee Street in Coal City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Jason Stone presiding and Deacon Bill Dunn Assisting.

Burial will be in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington, where Darlene will be laid to rest with her late husband and parents. Pallbearers will be: Patrick Ryan, Matt Thomas, Ryan Endrst, Bill Wollgast, Jeff Kasher and John Endrst. Honorary pallbearers are Tim Ryan, Jennifer Endrst and Ashley Thomas.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Darlene’s memory to Candlelight Home Healthcare, 115 S. Broadway, Coal City, IL 60416 or Lightways Hospice.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Darlene’s memorial page online.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125)