Darlene Mae Hillary

Oct. 8, 1927 - May 31, 2024

Darlene Mae Hillary passed away quietly in her sleep at the age of 96 on Friday, May 31 in Chandler, Arizona following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born Oct. 8, 1927. The daughter of Earl and Hazel Robinson, Darlene like older brothers, Nathan and Russell, attended and graduated Spirit Lake High School where she was an honors student.

In 1945 Darlene married her high school sweetheart, Bill Hillary, in Pasadena, California, upon his return from military service. They returned to Spirit Lake where they made their home for the next 66 years. Darlene worked in the Dickinson County Recorder's Office until her retirement in 1989. In retirement, Darlene and Bill enjoyed wintering in Florida, visiting family in Hawaii, and cruising to Alaska.

After Bill's passing in 2011 Darlene moved to Washington State and later to Arizona with her daughter and family. No matter where she lived, Spirit Lake was always her home.  Darlene was a devoted and much-loved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Lynda, son-in-law Jim, and grandson AJ West, all of Arizona.