With profound sadness we announce the passing of Darlene D. Bilderback, age 69, our loving and devoted mother and friend to all whose lives she touched, on May 6, 2020.
As a result of Pulmonary Fibrosis, she took her last breath at Witham Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, Indiana. She was surrounded and comforted by her entire family until the very end.
Darlene (or better known as Hun, Momma or Mamaw by those who loved her most) was born January 11, 1951 in Poland, Indiana to Robert and Beulah Cook. She married her lifelong love, Gene Bilderback, on May 29, 1971 who carries on their never-ending love.
She loved to love on people and gave the biggest, warmest and safest hugs. Everyone who met her felt loved and welcomed immediately. She was an avid online shopper who found extreme happiness in sending gifts to her children and grandchildren without notice. Her arms were nearly always filled by at least one grandchild whenever in their presence. She was the absolute best chef for macaroni and cheese according to her six grandchildren. She also shared her love of board games, card games and computer games with her children and grandchildren. Yahtzee and Euchre will forever be a cherished pastime for her family. Her crossword skills were second to none and she proved it daily with her large vocabulary and excellent spelling. Every Thanksgiving her dressing and noodles were requested in high demand and will be sorely missed as we most likely unsuccessfully attempt to recreate them.
For ten years Darlene worked as a paralegal at Bank One, now Chase Bank in Indianapolis. It suited her intelligent mind and she enjoyed her success. After the birth of her second child, Darlene retired and dedicated her life to her family. She was an ever-present guest at all doctor appointments, medical procedures, school programs, sporting events, holidays, celebrations and times of need to her family.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Gene Bilderback and daughters Tammy Greene (Jeff Mullen) of Whitestown and Amy (Timothy) Turpin of Plymouth. Sisters, JoEllen (Albert) White, Donna (Todd) Stipp and Diane Carter; brothers Jerry Cook, Earl Cook and Joe Cook. Finally, she is survived by her loving grandchildren, Aubree Greene, Ethan Greene and A.J. Greene of Lebanon, Austin Bilderback of Noblesville, and LT Turpin and Sookie Turpin of Plymouth.
Darlene will be welcomed to her heavenly home by her adored and deeply missed son, Michael Bilderback. She was also preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Robert Cook Jr, David Cook, and Max Cook; and her parents. All of these she loved and touched deeply.
Please join us in celebrating her life Saturday morning May 16, 2020, between 10:00 a.m. — 2:00pm at Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon St, Lebanon, Indiana; with the funeral service following directly after. She will be laid to rest in Browns Wonder Cemetery next to her only son. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her grandchildren, “Mamaw’s Grandbabies” as she would have wanted.
