Obituaries

Darlene Mary Heil (née Lyons), 76, of Crestview Hills, KY, passed away on March 21, 2026. Born in Covington, KY, she was the beloved daughter of the late Howard Lyons and Sophia Donlin Lyons. A graduate of Bishop Brossart High School, Darlene later met the love of her life, Gary, and the two were married in May of 1971.

Darlene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, whom she considered her proudest accomplishment. She loved to cook and bake, often bringing people together through her meals. Darlene and Gary shared a love of travel, exploring the country by motorcycle and visiting many of our nation’s beautiful national parks.

She also cherished her time working at Covington Latin School, where she formed lasting friendships while serving in the cafeteria. Darlene lived her Catholic faith through action-teaching Sunday School, participating in Bible study, and giving generously of herself. Her decades of blood donation through Hoxworth Blood Center reflected her quiet compassion and commitment to helping others, earning her well-deserved recognition. She will be lovingly remembered for her warmth, humor, and her special ability to make everyone feel welcome and at ease.

Darlene is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Gary; her five children: Michele Heil of Crestview Hills, KY; Rebecca (Nick) Klaber of Hebron, KY; Jennifer (Leo) Dolan of Hebron, KY; Daniel Heil of Covington, KY; and Christine (Nicholas) McClurg of Cold Spring, KY; and her six cherished grandchildren: Raven, Erika, Skylar, Cooper, Sophia, and William. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dennis Lyons.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Amanda Jackson, Brittany Hesse, CNP, and their entire team at UC Medical Center for their compassionate care and tireless efforts to bring hope and healing to Darlene.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Darlene Heil to: Kathy Rubenstein Women’s Cancer Fund at UC Health P.O. Box 19970, Cincinnati, OH 45219, or by making a gift online at http://foundation.uc.edu/womenscancerfund.

Alternately, donations may be made to: St. Elizabeth Foundation ℅ Hospice 1 Medical Village Dr. Edgewood, KY 41017.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday April 10 2026 Blessed Sacrament Church in Ft. Mitchell KY. Visitation will be from 4 PM to 6 PM. Friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Darlene’s life, with a reception to follow in the church undercroft