Darlene Edna Highbaugh

September 9, 1938 - April 16, 2022

Darlene Edna Highbaugh (nee Koca) Age 83, of Joliet, IL passed away Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Amita Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet. Born September 9, 1938 in Braidwood, IL to the late Adolph and Irene (nee Schwark) Koca. Darlene was raised and educated in Braidwood, graduating from Reed-Custer High School with the class of 1956, soon after she married Robert Highbaugh July 14, 1956 in Braidwood. After Robert was honorably discharged from the United States Navy, they eventually settled in Joliet where they raised their five children. Darlene served as an election judge for many years in Joliet. She enjoying fishing, camping, boating, and vacationing with her family. She was a loving mother and dedicated grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed spending holidays with her family and no matter the day, if you stopped and visited she would always have a special treat for you. Surviving are her husband of 65 years, Robert Highbaugh of Joliet; four sons, Randy (Sharon) Highbaugh of Shorewood, IL, Steve (Kim) Highbaugh of Wilmington, IL, Kenny (Lynette) Highbaugh of Braidwood; and Bobby (Heather) Highbaugh of Crest Hill, IL; nine grandchildren, Marissa (Greg) Hall, Stuart Jeffries, Beth (Nick) Nunley, KaraLynn Jeffries, Randy (Molly) Highbaugh, Amy (Brian) Syfert, Kenny (Clara) Highbaugh, Kyle (Alyssa) Highbaugh, and Andrew Highbaugh; two step-grandchildren, Daniel VanDuyne and Casey Grskovic; sixteen great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Koca of Braidwood; son-in-law, Ken Jeffries of Wilmington; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. She is preceded in death by her parents, Adolf and Irene; daughter, Irene Kay Jeffries (11-25-2020); step-grandson, Ross Grskovic; and three sisters, Betty (Clarence) Jennings, Jerry (Mike) Smith, and Marie (Frank) Shipla. Cremation rites will be accorded. Private services will be held for the immediate family at a later date. Inurnment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be directed to the American Heart Association www.heart.org.