Robbie Lynn Darden, 54, passed away at St. Vincent Hospital, in Indianapolis, on April 3, 2012. Born in Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Ind., on April 17, 1957, to loving parents, Katie Davis, of Huntsville, Ala. and Bobby Darden of Muncie. She
Robbie graduated from Union High School in Modoc, Ind., and attended Indiana University in Bloomington. The positions held in employment always involved her dedication to people and how she could inspire, motivate or just be someone to sit and listen. She was employed by the Visiting Nurses’ Service when she became ill and disabled in 1992, after being diagnosed with Sarcoidosis and Pulmonary Hypertension. Even with this illness, she was still an active leader of the support group; member of the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Washington, D.C.; a Board Member with the Foundation of Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) in Chicago; spokesperson for the FSR Advisory Council in Chicago; member of the Coalition of FSR, Chicago; and member of the American Lung Association, Washington, D. C.
Among Robbie’s many attributes, she was a dynamic leader and friend. She was an excellent organizer and event planner. Robbie loved people and had an amazing talent for bringing everyone together. In 1987, she moved to Indianapolis and became active in various organizations. In 1998, she founded and became President of the Central Indiana Sarcoidosis Support Group (CISSG) and was an avid campaigner and spokesperson for bringing awareness to find a cure to this mysterious, chronic disease. In spite of her numerous ailments, Robbie always made time for others when they were in need. Her smile would light up any room. Robbie made a lasting impression on many people during her walk in life, and will be greatly missed. We loved her but God loved her more.
She is preceded in death by her brother, Gregory Lane Darden; maternal grandparents, Odell Skipper of Muncie, Ind., and Robert Crawford, of Huntsville, Ala.; paternal grandparents, Herman and Addie Darden of Muncie, Ind.; and her beloved “fur baby” little girl, Miss McKenna Kailei VanDeval.
Robbie is survived by loving parents, “Mama” Katie Davis of Huntsville, Ala.; “Daddy” Bobby Darden of Muncie, Ind.; sisters, Glenda Kai Darden, Kelli Lee Davis of Huntsville, Ala.; nieces, Kierston Armstrong, Kennedi Thomas of Huntsville, Ala.; aunts, Lucille Darden and Alice McCall, both of Muncie, Ind.; a devoted and cherished “Sister-in-Christ,” Vanessa Reinstatler, Indianapolis; “Special Brother,” Derek H. Ruttan of Muncie, Ind.; and a host of relatives and friends.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2012, in Flanner and Buchanan-Washington Park East Community Life Center 10612 E. Washington Street. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 1 p.m. Entombment will be in Washington Park East Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Central Indiana Sarcoidosis Support Group. You may express a condolence or share a memory of Robbie at: www.flannerbuchanan.com
