Eileen May Wikel Darby

Eileen M. Wikel Darby, 96, of Huron, passed away on June 14, 2024, at Gaymont Care Center in Norwalk. Born on September 7, 1927, in Medina, Ohio, she was the daughter of Harold and Opal (Johnson) Bair.

Eileen grew up in Vermilion, Ohio, and graduated from Vermilion High School in 1945. Following graduation, she embarked on a career as a bookkeeper for the Ohio Public Service Company (now The Ohio Edison). On February 12, 1950, she married Lewis C. Wikel, with whom she operated the 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 on September 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, CT. 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 the First Presbyterian Church of Huron since 1950, where she served as an elder and held various leadership roles, including president, in the Women's Association. Her community involvement extended to memberships in the Huron Study Club, the Huron-Berlin Heights Writing Club, Berlin Grange #345, and the Berlin Heights Historical Society.

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

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

Family and friends may call on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 5 - 7 PM at Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, 410 Main St., Huron 44839, and on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 10:30 - 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 225 Williams St., Huron. A funeral service will begin at 11 AM with burial to follow at Milan Cemetery, 110 S. Edison Dr., Milan 44846. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice, T2T Tunnel To Towers, or to one's favorite charity. 

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.

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