Eileen Darby Obituary

Eileen Wikel Darby

Sep 7, 1927 - Jun 14, 2024

Huron

Eileen M. Wikel Darby, 96, of Huron, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024, at Gaymont Care Center, Norwalk.

She was born Sept. 7, 1927, in Medina, the daughter of Harold and Opal (Johnson) Bair.

Eileen grew up in Vermilion and graduated from Vermilion High School in 1945. Following graduation, she embarked on a career as a bookkeeper for Ohio Public Service Company (now The Ohio Edison). She married Lewis C. Wikel on Feb. 12, 1950, with whom she operated Wikel Century Farm, maintaining a large dairy operation and cropland. After Lewis' passing, Eileen continued to reside on the farm and leased it to Schlessman Seed Company.

In 2002, Eileen reconnected with a former classmate, Willis Gene Darby, at a Vermilion class reunion. They found joy in each other's company and were married Sept. 7, 2013, coinciding with their 86th birthdays.

Eileen had a passion for writing, excelling in stories, poetry, and historical narratives. She pursued her craft diligently, completing various writing courses, including a comprehensive three-year non-fiction course at The Famous Writer's School in Westport, Connecticut. Her poetry frequently graced the pages of the church publication, Steeple Notes, the Carriage House menu, and a story about her writer's group was featured in a national magazine. Beyond writing, Eileen found joy in needlework and the natural beauty surrounding her home and farm. She also enjoyed collecting antique jewelry.

Eileen was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church of Huron since 1950, where she served as an elder and had various leadership roles, including president in the Women's Association. Her community involvement extended to memberships in Huron Study Club, Huron-Berlin Heights Writing Club, Berlin Grange #345, and Berlin Heights Historical Society.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Linda (Tim) Wilcox of Norwalk; and grandsons, Tyler (Kelsi Rose) Wilcox of Sandusky and Thomas Wilcox of St. Augustine, Florida.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Opal (Johnson) Bair; first husband, Lewis C. Wikel in 1982; second husband, Willis Gene Darby in Jan., 2024; daughter, Sharon E. Wikel in 2011; and brother, Carroll Bair in 2014.

Visitation for family and friends will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 24, 2024, at Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, 410 Main St., Huron, Ohio, 44839, and 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2024, until the time of Eileen's funeral at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 225 Williams St., Huron. Burial will follow at Milan Cemetery, 110 S. Edison Dr., Milan, Ohio, 44846.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice, Tunnel To Towers, or one's favorite charity.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.