Darlene Clara Bland, age 85, died Friday, May 1, 2026 at her home in Freeburg.
She was born Dec. 14, 1940, in Vienna, a daughter of John Herbert and Rosetta Christina (Wagner) Williams.
She was united in marriage on June 21, 1965, in Vienna, to Mr. Robert “Bob” Eugene Bland.
Darlene was baptized early in life and at the time of her passing was attending Rader United Methodist Church, Vienna. She enjoyed gardening, gambling on the boat, crocheting and knitting, fishing, and was always down for a good road trip.
She is survived by her children, Barbara Welschmeyer (Kenneth), Freeburg, Rex Bland (Misty), Freeburg, Mark Bland (Angie), Rolla, and Luke Bland, Freeburg; brother, Otto Williams (Wanda), Vienna; sister, Annabelle Franks, Vienna; stepsons, Robert Bland, Jr. (Cindy), Florida, and Richard Bland, Florida; 18 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Bob; son, Mike Eugene Bland; and brothers, Steve Williams, John Herbert Willaims Jr. , Emory Clinton Williams, and Irb Clayton Williams.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday, May 7, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Friday, May 8, with funeral service following all at the Vienna United Methodist Church with Rev. Lynn Facemyer officiating.
Interment will be in the Rader Cemetery, Vienna, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.
