Obituary of Darlene J. Ames

Darlene J. Ames, 82, of Francesville, IN went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 14, 2022.  She passed away at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette, IN.  She was born on August 20, 1939 in North Judson, IN to the late Lloyd Frederick William and Lavada Mae [Cawby] Hanke.  She was a 1957 graduate of North Judson High School.  On September 24, 1960, Darlene married Donald H. Ames in North Judson.  He passed away on December 21, 2007.  They owned and operated the Francesville Tribune from 1971-2005.

Darlene was an active member of the Francesville First United Methodist Church and the Francesville American Legion Auxiliary Unit #228.  She served on numerous committees and held several offices in each organization.   Darlene was a longtime member of the Classy Red Prairie Chicks of the Red Hat Society where she served as the club’s photographer (aka the Red Snapper).  She proudly served as Co-Grand Marshall of the Francesville Fall Festival Parade in 1999 and 2007 alongside her husband, Don. 

Darlene enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, traveling, and rock collecting.  She was an outgoing person with a great sense of humor.  Most of all, she was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  She faithfully attended the many events of her children and grandchildren.  Darlene will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by:

Drinda S. (Kris) Obermeyer, West Lafayette, IN Daughter

Deneen J. (Brian) Bartlett, Crawfordsville, IN Daughter

Donita L. (Michael) Stimson, Francesville, IN Daughter

Austin Bartlett, Grandson

Collin (Lauren) Bartlett, Grandson

Megan Stimson, Granddaughter

Adam Stimson, Grandson

Nathan Stimson, Grandson

Several Nieces and Nephews

Lois (Charlie) Comer, Medaryville, IN Aunt/Sis

Numerous Cousins

Preceded in death by:

Lloyd Frederick William and Lavada Mae [Cawby] Hanke, Parents

Donald H. Ames, Husband 

Richard Lloyd  Hanke, Brother

Visitation will be from 3-7 PM EST Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM EST Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.

Burial will take place at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Francesville United Methodist Church or to the family for a charity to be determined at a later date. 

Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.