Darlene D. Eells, age 86 of Apple River, IL, passed away at home on Saturday, November 22, 2025. She was born April 29, 1939 in Freeport, IL; the daughter of the late Arthur and Lilly (Gast) Heilman. She was a graduate of Dakota High School. Darlene married Clifford Clark on November 15, 1958. She later married Lee Eells on April 29, 1984; he passed on January 2, 2004.

Darlene worked at Burgess Battery in Freeport for several years then farmed for 10 years. She later worked at Kochs Upholstery in Rockford and went on to own Darlene's Upholstery. Darlene also taught an upholstery class at Highland Community College in Freeport. She was a former member of St. Paul Church of Epleyanna of Davis, IL and of the Freeport Eagles Club.

She enjoyed bowling, fishing, painting, gambling, and mushroom hunting.  Darlene was an avid gardener and belonged to the Garden Club.

She is survived by her son, Ken (Diana) Clark; daughters, Connie (Darwin) Ilgen and Lisa Clark; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; brothers, Donnie (Ingrid) Heilman, Gary (Julia) Heilman, and Allen (Lisa) Heilman; sister, Carol (Mike) Ciganek; step-mother, Willie Heilman; step-children, Tim (Karen) Eells, Tom (Michelle) Eells, and Deb Gardner. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lee Eells; daughter, Denise Clark; granddaughter, Melanie; and step-mother, Doris Heilman.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be on December 13, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rock Grove Township Hall 11687 N. Juda Rd., Orangeville, IL. The Daughenbaugh Funeral Home of Dakota, IL is assisting her family. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.