Darlene “Donnie” E. Hildebrand, born on the 13th of August 1939 in Medina, OH passed away in the early morning of August 22, 2026 at the age of 87 surrounded by loved ones. The undisputed matriarch and queen of her family Darlene was a true force to be reckoned with living her life with an unstoppable spirit, unapologetically bold presence and fierce love for her family leaving an unforgettable mark on all who knew her.
To know Donnie was to hear her coming- and to love every minute of it. Possessing a true “Mouth from the South,” she never met a room she couldn’t command, a story she couldn’t tell or an opinion she kept to herself. Her quick wit, sharp tongue, and unfiltered honesty were only matched by the size of her heart. She was the kind of woman who would tell you exactly how it was and then turn around and give you the shirt off her back. She was generous to a fault, her doors were always open, her kitchen was always welcoming.
As a woman who has kept the road hot for the last 87 years, she did however brake for any garage sale she came across, she always jumped at a trip to the casino or down to the beach” N’Stuff” to lay out and maintain her perfect tan. With her hair has high as the heavens and her lips the most perfect shade of Covergirl pink she never skipped a chance to boot scoot and boogie with “pat and Charlie” to some 90’s country.
She is survived by her children Paul Boreman of Ashland, Larry Flory (Vicki) of Ashland, Ronda Mulkey (Daniel) of Ashland, Terry Mills of Ashland, and Veronica Arter (Aaron) of Ashland.
Her grandchildren, Melissa Kick (Kevin) of Lakeville, Michelle Rickey (Clint) of Ashland, Christina Snow of Huber Heights, Jeremy Mulkey (Denise) of Richmond Hill GA, Misty Gunder of Ashland, Connie Daniels (Wesley) of Jeromesville, Justin Mills of Ashland, Tyler Arter (Mary) of Ashland, Haylee Fenstermaker (Nick) of Orrville, Bill Flory (Angie) of Loudonville. Her great grandchildren Kaden Huber, Karson Huber, Danielle Gunder, Landon Gunder, Xavier Rickey, Rylan Mills, Max Mills, Jude Mills, Carter Kick, Trevor Kick, Kyle Kick, Ashley Kick, Jeremy Biddinger (Tori Collins), Jocelyn Young, Autumn Mulkey, Ashton Mulkey, Keegan Fenstermaker, Walker Fenstermaker, Charleigh Ward, Ava Flory and her great-great grandchild Beau Biddinger, her expecting great-great grandson Lane and lastly her sister Bernadine Hall of Crothersville IN.
She is met after this life by her son James “Jim” Flory, and her parents Arvil and Edith Buxton, her brothers Bud Buxton, Kenneth “Skip” Buxton, sisters June Mallcheck, Bonnie Padgett, Betty Johnston. Her great grandson Justin Flory, great-great grandson Luke Biddinger, daughter in-law Robin Flory, sister-in-law Elaine Gonzalez, and her mother Elsie Gonzalez who held a special place in her heart.
A special thank you to all the extra hearts we had that helped take care of our queen in memory care: Clint, Ashley, Ciara, Tyiaces, Amerianna, Tyianna, Misty, Janet, Janine, Casey, Lyanna, Abbey, Shannonn, Jewels, and Heather. The amazing care and love from everyone at Kind Hearts Hospice will always be cherished, Jess, Molly, Kelly, Sonya, Audrianna, Chan and Christin for all their dedication, compassion, and kindness.
A celebration of life will be held September 26th, 2026, at 3p reach out to the family for more information. In lieu of flowers or cards, take your family for ice cream, say yes to the double scoop and live in the moment.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.heylfuneralhome.com
Heyl Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Funeral Home: Heyl Funeral Home
Website: www.heylfuneralhome.com