Barbara Jacqueline "Boots" Darling, 92, of Tomball, TX, formerly of Washington, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at the Heart to Heart Hospice Home in Houston, TX.

She was born August 28, 1932 in Brimfield, IL to the late William and Edna Catherine (Thompson) Heathcoat Sr.  She married Loren I. Darling in Peoria, IL on October 25, 1950.  He preceded her in death on April 22, 2000.  She was also preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.

Surviving are five children, Steven Darling, Bill Darling, Michael Darling, Perry (Sherry) Darling, Julie (Tom) Graves; twelve grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two brothers, David (Cathy) Heathcoat, Kevin (Toni) Heathcoat; two sisters, Carol McClary, Sharon (Leon) Beck; and several nieces and nephews.

Barbara was raised in Peoria, IL and graduated from Woodruff High School.  She received her nursing degree from Illinois Central College in 1972.  She worked in Peoria, IL at Methodist Hospital from 1972 to 1980.  She then worked at nursing homes in Illinois, Indiana, and Arkansas, last working at Washington Christian Village in Washington, IL in 1996.  She also volunteered at Proctor and Methodist Hospitals in Peoria, IL.

She attended Roland Manor Baptist Church and Bay View Baptist Church in Washington.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in East Peoria where she formerly served as Secretary and President.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to

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A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11am at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.  Visitation will be one hour before the service on Saturday from 10am to 11am at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

Barbara's memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com where condolences may also be sent to the family.