Darlene Link, age 91, of Indianapolis, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Darlene was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Orien Melvin Brandenburg and Mabel Irene (McClure). She was a graduate of Arsenal Tech High School, Class of 1952. That same year, on August 16, she married the love of her life, Lawton H. Link. Together they shared 36 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, and service until Lawton's passing on August 14, 1988.

Darlene devoted her life to caring for others. As a homemaker, she created a warm, welcoming home filled with love, laughter, and warm meals. She was an avid crocheter, known best for the many handmade "Nana blankets" she lovingly created for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and anyone lucky enough to be claimed by her. Each blanket, like Darlene herself, was one of a kind.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Darlene was a longtime member of Olive Branch Christian Church, where she faithfully served alongside her husband. Over the years, she gave her time and heart in countless ways — serving as a trustee, teaching Sunday School, helping with the food pantry, supporting the treasurer, organizing Vacation Bible School, and participating in the Builder's Club. Her quiet leadership and steady presence made a lasting impact on her church community.

Darlene's spirit of service extended well beyond the church walls. She was a member of the Eastern Star and Job's Daughters, a homemaker's club, and a bridge club. She served her community through the Box 13 Fire Department, where she volunteered in dispatch and drove the ambulance — always ready to help when someone needed it most. She also found joy creating silk flower arrangements for her husband's florist business, Bud's Bloomers.

Above all else, Darlene was a Nana in the truest sense of the word. She welcomed anyone who needed love, encouragement, or a listening ear — she collected grandbabies the way others collect trinkets. Darlene will be remembered for her compassion, her sassy spark, her bright blue eyes, her beautiful sense of humor, and her remarkable ability to make people feel truly seen and loved.

She is survived by her children, Janet (Kevin) Roberts, Bob (Janet) Link, and Julie Martin; her grandchildren, Kristin (Jason) Thomas, Marja (Becca) Link, Bobby (Adam) Link, Kara (Chris) Cromwell, Lawton (Laine) Link, Sherry Kaye Link, Zach Martin, Kraig (Maryrose) Roberts, Stephanie (Josh) Tidd, Matt (Amanda) Sierp, and Nick (Jamie) Thacker; her 19 great-grandchildren and many more she lovingly claimed as her own; her brother, Ron Brandenburg; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lawton H. Link; her son, Richard Link; her great-grandchild, Jayden Henry Boone; and her brother, Michael Brandenburg.

Visitation for Darlene will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m., with burial immediately afterward at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, honoring Darlene's lifelong commitment to caring for others.