Darlene "Emaw" Hiner

Darlene “Emaw” Hiner, 75, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on May 19, 1950, at King’s Daughters Hospital in Staunton to the late, George and Ellen Hanger. Staunton remained her lifelong home; a place filled with family, memories, and community - which she deeply cherished.

She was a proud 1968 graduate of Wilson Memorial High School in Fishersville. She shared forty-five wonderful years with her devoted husband, Larry Hiner, and also leaves behind her faithful companion, Brodie, who rarely left her side.

Darlene worked as a bus driver for the City of Staunton for more than nineteen years. She treated every child she transported as her own, and her kindness made her a favorite among students and their families. To many, she wasn’t just Darlene- she was “Emaw” - a name spoken with love and gratitude by all who knew her.

She was a proud member of Christ United Methodist Church in Staunton. She enjoyed playing the lottery, visiting casinos, and in her younger years, riding her trike and driving sports cars. Darlene deeply loved her family, especially the time spent with her grandchildren. She enjoyed shopping, caring for those in need, and truly never met a stranger.

In addition to her husband and her dog, Brodie, she is survived by her children, Lisa Bartley and her husband, Kevin of Sugar Grove, West Virginia, W.A. Bosserman and his wife, Ashley of Weston, West Virginia, Melissa Carroll of Staunton, and Billy Hiner and his significant other, Amanda of Mount Sidney; her special child/granddaughter, Trisa Bosserman, whom she lovingly raised and who in time, lovingly cared for her in return, and her significant other, Michael, Kristan Bartley Hoover and her husband, Timmy, Katelyn Bartley Simmons and her husband, Wesley, Haley Fulks and her husband, Noah, Joshua, Aiden, Camden, Alexis, Layden, and Adalynn; her great-grandchildren, Kalionna Bosserman, Aveah Henderson, Kendalyn Hoover-Bartley, Haisleigh Bartley-Simmons, and Khylin Henderson; her sister, Shelia Massie; her niece and nephew; and a special niece, April Clifton.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Ngoc Le and Brittany Sensabaugh for their exceptional care, support, and compassion. Their dedication made a meaningful difference during Darlene’s journey, and it will be remembered.

Darlene’s life was defined by love, laughter, and the joy she brought to others. She cared deeply for everyone around her, always ready for a joke, smile, or warm embrace. Her legacy lives on in the many hearts she touched - family, friends, neighbors, and generations of children she safely carried to and from school.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home with the Reverend Russell Heinrich officiating.

Interment will follow at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton.

Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Henderson, Wesley Simmons, Timothy Hoover, Randy Hiner, Justin Mader, and Harrison Dooley.