Prior to her illness she was employed at Echoing Ridge in Canal Fulton, Ohio, where fellow employees and residents were more of a second family to her than a job. She was a kind hearted and strong willed being who was just as in touch with herself as her surroundings.
She felt most comfortable in nature and believed she was one with all things in this world that inspired happiness. Darla was supported throughout her life by her Mother, Anna Belle Harstine and step father, Benjamin Harstine, her father, Robert Crater and step mother, Judy Crater. Darla was an older sister to Helen Lorraine Newbury and was close with her many cousins since childhood. She also mothered 3 children: a daughter, Samantha Joann King (Jason) who is now 24, a second daughter, Sylvan Rowena Fay who is currently 18 and a son, Gaelin Wyss Leif who recently turned 16. In 2009, Darla was given a granddaughter, Satreyia Raevyn King by her oldest daughter, Samantha.
Only 3 months before Darla’s illness was exposed, she met Jeffery Gloyd from Frederick, Colorado. By her surprise, Jeffery turned out to be just the companion she had always hoped for. In Colorado, Jeffery showed Darla the beauties she craved within the lands and atmosphere of this breath taking state. To Darla, having been befriended by such a kind, accepting and devoted person meant more to her than she could express. He walked with her through her struggles from the start and held onto her from the beginning unto her last moments.
Memorial services will be held Saturday August 25, 2012 at 3 PM in the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home at 624 E. Cherry St. Canal Fulton with Pastor Mary Owen officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until time of services. Smith-Varns Funeral Home in Sugarcreek is handling the arrangements. For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home’s web site to share a memory and sign the guest register.
Smith-Varns Funeral Home
330-852-2141
Sugarcreek
www.smithfuneral.com
