Darla Jean Smith, 70, of LaSalle, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025 with her loving family by her side.
Darla was born April 25, 1955 in Sandwich, Illinois to Stan Eugene Williams and Norma Jean (Baker) Williams. She married Jeff Smith March 18, 2010 in Ottawa, IL. Surviving are her husband, Jeff; her children Marilyn L. (Timothy) Anderson and Veronica R. (Sean) Moreno all of Ottawa, Ryan J. (Jennifer) Smith of LaSalle and Sarah E. (Eric) Mathieu of Utica. Also surviving are grandchildren Haley (Brandon) Aubry of Ottawa, Dylan Larson of Spring Hill, FL, Jace and Brady Mathieu of Utica and Eliana Smith of LaSalle; and great-grandchildren Parker, Wyatt and Nash Aubry. Darla also leaves her sisters, Carol McConville and Karen (Mike) Miller all of Ottawa, Lori Maskel of Marseilles, IL, Amy Loescher of Loves Park, IL and Jane (Gary) Knapp of Putnam, IL. Darla was preceded in death by her parents Stan and Bunny Williams and Norma Jean and Frank Cook; and a sister, Marilyn Williams.
Darla had been employed as a driver for the Ottawa Dental Lab. She was and excellent cook and was known to be an extremely thoughtful and caring person. She enjoyed creating and sharing her diamond art creations. Darla was a loving wife and mother. She particularly enjoyed time spent her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 10 am to Noon Friday, May 16th with funeral services beginning at Noon at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Jane Schomas will officiate. Entombment will follow in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Dennis Applebee, Jason and Josh Friestad, Jeff Maskel, Ryan Smith, Chris Loescher, David Knapp and Eric Mathieu. Darla’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be honorary pallbearers.
Darla was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Peace, Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.