Darla J. Smith

Darla J. Smith, age 75, of Yankton, South Dakota, died on Thursday, March 22, 2018, at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton. Funeral services are 10:30 AM on Monday, March 26, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton with Reverend David Wildermuth officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday, March 25 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, with a prayer service at 4:00 PM. Visitation continues one hour prior to the service at the church. Pallbearers are Dustin Hopper, Becker Smith, Tim Lovrien, Mike Townsend and Adam Freng. Darla was born July 12, 1942 in Yankton, South Dakota to Otto and Hazel (Wolfgang) Ness. She grew up in Yankton and graduated from Yankton High School. Darla then went on to Yankton College where she obtained her degree in education. On August 20, 1966, Darla married Richard Smith in Yankton. After their marriage, they lived in many places throughout the country as Richard moved from job to job as a bricklayer. Darla taught school, worked in home health and raised her two children. In 1980, they moved back to Yankton. Darla worked nights at the nursing home and also worked at a daycare. Her final job was in the cafeteria at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital and retired as her Parkinson’s began to advance. Darla loved music and singing. She loved playing cards and visiting with her friends. She loved her family and especially her grandchildren. Darla had a wonderful sense of humor and always put others before herself. She was a true example of self-giving, unconditional love. Darla is survived by two children, Amie (Tim) Lovrien of Sioux City, IA and Brian Smith (Julie Paulson) of Gayville, SD; five grandchildren: Landen and Hayden Lovrien, Dustin Hopper, Becker and Brea Smith; a special cousin who was more like a sister, Yvonne (Jim) Besore of Omaha, NE; and many close friends. Darla was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Richard on February 14, 2001. To send an online message to the family, please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.