Darlene Clara Bland, age 85, of Freeburg, was born December 14, 1940, in Vienna, a daughter of John Herbert and Rosetta Christina (Wagner) Williams and passed from this life on Friday, May 1, 2026, at her home in Freeburg.

She was united in marriage on June 21, 1965, in Vienna, to Mr. Robert "Bob" Eugene Bland, who preceded her in death on April 22, 2025.

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 started her working career as a childcare provider and after 10 years Darlene went on to work for Capitol Region Hospital, Jefferson City, as a nurse's aide for 32 years, after retiring from Capitol Region Hospital, she was a private care nurse for the elderly. Darlene touched many lives and helped numerous people throughout her life.

Those left to mourn the passing of Darlene include: 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; 28 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Bob, Darlene was preceded in death by one son, Mike Eugene Bland on January 25, 2002; and four brothers, Steve Williams on February 13, 2002, John Herbert Williams Jr. on July 24, 2014, Emory Clinton Williams on August 21, 1968, and Irb Clayton Williams December 1, 1984.

Visitation for Mrs. Darlene Bland will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2026, and from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, with her funeral service following all in the Vienna United Methodist Church, 1102 Highway 63 N., Vienna, Missouri 65582 with Rev. Lynn Facemyer officiating.

Interment will be in the Rader Cemetery, Vienna, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Darlene Bland are suggested per the wishes of the family with envelopes available at the church on the day of her service or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mrs. Darlene Bland at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com