Ruth Darlene Hey ("Darlene"), aged 86, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born and raised in Bluffton, Ohio, Darlene's life was defined by her fiercely independent spirit, her quick wit, her mischievous sense of humor, and her deep love of family, friends and animals. 

Throughout her years, there was never a time she did not have an animal in her home. Her deep compassion for animals extended beyond her many dogs and cats (including one unforgettable Shih Tzu), and ranged from skunks, foxes, horses (most notably, Duke) and raccoons. If there was an animal in need of love, it was destined to find a home with her. 

No one can deny that Darlene was a woman of many talents. Her many jobs included beautician and hairdresser (Village Cut & Curl), owning her own bar/restaurant, dispatcher at the Bluffton FD, telephone operator, and many years of hard work at Hisan prior to her retirement. However, the work she was most proud of was unpaid, both as a Hospice volunteer and as a caregiver for her brother Ray in his final years. 

Her personality was as strong as it was playful. She was a jokester and a prankster, always finding a way to make people laugh. She once famously said, "what is the point of life if not to laugh?" She had a love of psychology, astrology, tarot and was a deeply spiritual person. She found a wonderful community within the Bluffton Presbyterian Church, and was a faithful member of the choir until her passing. 

One of her life mottos that stayed with her until her earthly departure was "Keep Making Plans." Her humor, her tenacity, her resilience, her big-hearted love for her family, animals and faith will be remembered and cherished forever. She leaves behind a legacy of abundant love, laughter and a life lived on her own terms. She will be missed beyond words. 

Her love of family was endless. She is survived by her children Bobbi (Joe) and Scott (Mitzi), and her four grandchildren: Erin (Bobby), Abby (Kalee), Zach (Zoe), and Maddie, as well as numerous nieces and nephews (even great-great-great nieces and nephews). She was preceded in death by her five brothers, Claire ("Duke"), Calvin ("Kelly"), John ("JC"), Harold ("Fuzz"), and Ray, their spouses, three sisters Lorelia ("Shorty"), Caroline, and Billie, and her parents Wade and Orpha Bechtel.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Bluffton Presbyterian Church, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or the Bluffton Presbyterian Church. 

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/