Darlene Key, age 79, of Baylis, IL passed away Monday, April 25, 2022, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. She was born March 29, 1943, in Franklin County, IL to Alvi and Mayzell Cook Wallace. Darlene married Clyde Key September 29, 1982, near Manchester, MO and he preceded her in death August 6, 2016.

Darlene grew up in Southern Illinois area formally known as Cowella, Illinois. She was a self-taught carpenter and was very talented in restoration of wood furniture....

Darlene Key, age 79, of Baylis, IL passed away Monday, April 25, 2022, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. She was born March 29, 1943, in Franklin County, IL to Alvi and Mayzell Cook Wallace. Darlene married Clyde Key September 29, 1982, near Manchester, MO and he preceded her in death August 6, 2016.

Darlene grew up in Southern Illinois area formally known as Cowella, Illinois. She was a self-taught carpenter and was very talented in restoration of wood furniture. At one time she had her CDL license and drove over-the-road with Clyde as a team driver for over 17 years. Darlene and Clyde also ran ‘Jus Country’ Karaoke for many years. In later years Darlene spent time in home healthcare. Darlene and Clyde were members of the Gold Wing Trike Club in Quincy and enjoyed riding their trike motorcycle. She took great pride in her yard and flowers and always kept them looking immaculate. Darlene loved her dogs, especially her special ‘Sissy’ who she had for over 17 years. She was a hard-working woman who loved her family, including her special daughter-in-law, Pam. Darlene was straight forward woman who always spoke her mind and could be a little nosey and her favorite saying was, “bite me”!

Darlene is survived by sons, Rickey (Jeanette) Beaty of Mississippi, Gary Ruble of Ohio, Robert Dale Ruble of Pittsfield, IL, Brian Ruble of Detroit, IL and Fred Delbert (Pam) Ruble, Jr. of Pleasant Hill, IL; twenty-one grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; stepsister, Barb Wallace of North City, IL; and many nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvi and Mayzell Wallace; husband of 34 years, Clyde Key; son, Kent Ruble; grandson, Richard Littlefield; brother, Jack; sisters, Glenda, Norma and Phyllis.

Funeral service will be held Friday, April 29, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL with visitation held prior to the service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Baylis Cemetery in Baylis, IL.  Memorials are suggested to be made to Baylis Cemetery. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

Baylis Cemetery Association