Date of Death: January 8, 2021
Service Details
According to family wishes, Darla has been cremated. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A Rosary will be at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a mass at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 645 S. Douglas Ave., Three Rivers, with Fr. Rajain Mathias officiating.
Obituary Notice
Darla Jean Smith, 74, of Three Rivers, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
She was born November 24, 1946 in Mishawaka, Ind., the daughter of Lawrence and Adabele (Kruger) Johnson.
Darla worked in inventory and logistics for Republic Roller and Kirsch, and worked at Three Rivers Public Library.
She loved her church, her family, and volunteering in and around the community. She attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and served as a board member and volunteer for Three Rivers Pregnancy Helpline.
Darla is survived by her husband, Frank Smith, whom she married on January 7, 1965; two sons, Thomas “Tom” Smith and Robert (Lisa Walorski) Smith; one brother, Richard Krillenberger.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Bradford Holmes.
Additional Information
Donations in Darla’s memory may be directed to Three Rivers Pregnancy Helpline. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of her arrangements.
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Frank, Tom and Bob, I cannot begin to tell how shocked and sorrowful I was when we learned about Darla’s passing. She was a wonderful and sweet person. Even though we were cousins, we never had a chance to spend much time together because of the distance between our parents, geographically. Lived too far apart, but when we were able finally to make a good connection, we had a wonderful connection, and I learned to love her. I have always said she was named well, because she was a “Darling”. It was also wonderful to meet your wonderful sons and to get to know you better, Frank. Our deepest condolences go out to you and your wonderful sons. My deepest sorrow is that we did not get to spend enough time together. I loved her like a sister. And I will miss the connection that we have had for the last few years. Praying for you and the “boys”. Will keep in touch by phone. God bless you during this difficult time. Love, Marg and Ivan.
I HAVE NEVER BEEN SORRY FOR INTRODUCING DARLA TO YOU FRANK. YOU KNOW ALL THE FUNNY DETAILS. YOU HAVE BEEN AN OUTSTANDING CARE GIVER FOR MY LITTLE SISTER THESE PAST TOUGH YEARS. FRANK I THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR BEING THERE FOR DARLA. WE BOTH HAVE SAD LOSSES WE HAVE TO COPE WITH. I LOVE YOU AND THE BOYS FRANK. SO SORRY I CAN’T BE THERE WITH YOU.
Frank, Tom and Bob, so very sorry for your loss. I have not seen your mom and dad since I was a child. I will always remember her kindness and how beautiful she was. Always a smile on her face.
Darla was one of the greatest joys of my life. She and I had some tough times in our young lives. Our Mom tried her best to keep us together. Darla always looked up to me as her big brother. She was so sad when I left her for the Air Force. She was so happy when I came home on my first leave, She wanted me to wear my uniform and pick Her up at school. I was always very protective of Her. Sometimes She would upset me but Big brothers some time get upset for no reason. LOVE YOU DARLA I WILL MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH. YOUR LOVING BROTHER.
My heart is sad to hear of Darla’s passing.
So many fond memories of being your neighbor in TR. Darla was sweet and kind.
She overcame many odds in illness with grace and dignity. May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time as you grieve your earthly loss and celebrate her transition to the arms of Jesus. Blessings, 🙏 hugs and ♥️ Brenda
Frank – Tom & Bob – WE have no words – Darla fought a LONG & HARD battle for life. She was an example of true spirit – always smiling. She will be missed by many. Frank you did an excellent job of caring for her through all her years of fighting. She now has her wings and will continue being with you and the boys here on earth – until that family circle can be one again. Frank know Paul & I pray for you everyday – that God will give you the strength you need to carry on. LOVE YOU FRIEND – Paul and Sherry
Cousin Frank, Tom, and Bobby. Even though it has been many years since we have been together, none of you are forgotten. Darla was a wonderful person with an infectious smile. I remember her as kind and happy. We will be praying for her and all of you.
Little Bill Gerard Jr.
Nooooooo!!!! I’m just now seeing this!! And on her birthday too!! That smile of hers was everything to me! I worked with Darla st the Three Rivers Public Library & we always had fun together!! I’m going to miss that smile. 💜🌹💜
Uncle Frank, Bob and Tom, Everything about Aunt Darla will be missed from her tiny little build (almost like a pocket pal) to her very large sense of humor to her very contagious smile and laugh to her strengths to want to live without any complaints. She was just an amazing woman! Aunt Darla left behind a great legacy of what it means to just be a good person and that will always be remembered in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with the 3 of you on this path of what you will now call the new normal. In time you will reminisce about how life was with your loved one by your side and you will smile thru your tears and this is what keeps our loved ones alive in our hearts. Love you all very much
Dear Frank and family,
I just heard that Darla passed away and was so shocked and saddened to hear this as I know how close you two were. I always enjoyed our times together working at the church and seeing you other times. You took good care of her Frank and God bless you always for all you did. May you find comfort from friends and family. Our deepest sympathy.
Frank. Gene and I are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed sitting next to you and Darla at church and our conversations. May God bless you and give you the strength during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you and your family. Love, Joanie and Gene.
Dear Frank, Tom, Bob and family,
I’m so sorry to hear that your beloved wife, mom and angel to many has passed away. She will be missed by many and made this world a better place. Heaven gained an Angel and she will live in your hearts forever. May God hold you all in the arms of comfort
Love, Crissy Schmidt Firestein