Darlene Ann Swim (Bunch), 82, of Milan, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on July 7, 2026. She was born on March 10, 1944, in Moline, Illinois, to Earl and Nida Bunch.

She retired from John Deere after more than 30 years of dedicated service, and she lived and breathed "John Deere Green"—remaining a loyal supporter of the company throughout her life. She was also a longtime member of the Eagles Club and the Moose Club, and was a devoted supporter of Project NOW.

Darlene cherished her family near and far. She was a loving mother to Donna (Scott) Newland of Indian Harbour Beach, FL; Howard (Kim) Johnson of Wedowee, AL; Darrell (Jeannie) Schrimsher of Gulf Breeze, FL; and James (Jennifer) Cline of Carbon Cliff, IL.

She was the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren: Orion (Jacquie) Newland, Darlene (Seth) Carswell, Hailey (Shane) Cline, Cody Johnson, Magen (Lyndi) Schrimsher, Paige Reddick, Victoria Johnson, Luke (Keyanna) Johnson, James (Caitlin) Cline, Ryan (Ariel) Schrimsher, Casey Schrimsher, Emily (Seth) Cline, Ben Swim, and Tommy Sledge. She was also the proud great-grandmother of 15 great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved deeply.

Darlene found happiness in visiting and hosting her family from across the country, shopping, traveling, going on cruises, and especially cooking. Her kitchen was the heart of every family gathering, and those who knew and cherished her will forever remember that no one could ever make macaroni and cheese quite like Grandma’s.

She is survived by her children, Howard Johnson, Darrell Schrimsher, and James Cline; her extended children, Scott Newland, Kim Johnson, Jennifer Cline, Jeannie Schrimsher, and Jason Swim; her brothers, Earl Bunch and Roy Bunch; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Nida Bunch; her daughter, Donna Newland; her sister and brother-in-law, Judy and John Woodrum; and her sisters-in-law, Teresa Bunch and Donna Bunch.

In accordance with Darlene’s wishes, she will be cremated. A celebration of her life will be held on August 1, 2026, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and the remarkable life she lived. The celebration will be held at the Masonic Lodge in Silvis, IL, at 3 p.m.

Fiercely independent, loving, kind, adventurous, and full of life, Darlene lived on her own terms and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her infectious smile, generous heart, unwavering strength, and the love she shared so freely will be deeply missed and forever remembered.