Darla Jean Kuntz

Darla Jean (Piquette) Kuntz, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Fellowship Square Reflections memory care center in Mesa, AZ. Darla was born on October 14, 1936 in Maxbass, North Dakota, the daughter of Ernest & Mable Piquette. When Darla was 13 years old, her parents moved the family to Minot, ND. Darla and her sisters were all involved in sports, including basketball and track. She won the North Dakota state high jump competition when she was just 13 years old. She played basketball for Minot Model High School, as did all her sisters and younger brother. After graduating high school, Darla worked as a bank teller at 1st National Bank and also later at Union National Bank, both in Minot, ND. Darla Piquette met James (Jim) Kuntz in Minot and they quickly started dating and attending the local barn dances on the weekends. They married on December 1, 1956. Two of their children, Danny and Lori, were born in Minot. Jim suffered a brain hemorrhage on July 10, 1959 and was unable to work for several years. Darla had to continue working, as well as take care of her children. Fortunately, both grandmothers also helped care for Darla & James' children, as well as helping care for James at home. The family moved to Ashley, ND. in 1962, where their third child, Timothy was born. Darla & Jim lived and worked in Ashley, until moving their family to Bismarck, ND in 1963, where Darla worked as a Bank Teller for 1st International Bank & Trust. Darla & Jim raised their family in Minot, and later in Bismarck. After working for 35 years as a Bank Teller, Darla accepted a severance retirement package. Deciding to avoid further long, cold winters, Darla & James moved to Mesa, Arizona in September 1988 to a warmer climate. Darla & Jim had been active with Corpus Christi Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Bismarck, ND, where they developed lifelong friendships. In Mesa, AZ, they were members of St. Bridget Catholic Church and then Christ the King Catholic Church. Darla's husband, Jim, had passed away April 8th, 2016, after 59½ years of marriage. In recent years, Darla experienced chronic physical pains. She also received an Alzheimer's Diagnosis. Darla was admitted to Banner Hospitals in early April of 2024 for acute abdominal pains and a perforated colon. Two weeks later, she transferred to Mission Palms Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. On November 12th, 2024, Darla transferred to Fellowship Square Reflections memory care center in Mesa, where she remained for 8 months until her death. Our entire family will always remember Darla's memorable smile and her desire to always help others. She was in hospice for 11 months. Darla is survived by her three children: Danny (Gael) Kuntz of Mesa, AZ; Lori (Dave) Morgan of Scottsdale, AZ; and Timothy Kuntz (Julie DeLauter) of Farmington, NM. Darla's eight grandchildren: Randahl Kuntz (Monica Preston) of Centennial, CO, Melissa LeSaar of Mesa, AZ, Heather Morgan of Scottsdale, Kyle (Cassie) Morgan of Phoenix, Tiffany (Jose) Facundo of Glendale, AZ, Heather Dschaak of Mandan, Trenton Nohr & Jasper Kuntz, both of Denver, CO. Darla's 11 great-grandchildren: Candace Preston & Aviana Preston-Kuntz of Centennial, CO, James & Jack LeSaar of Mesa, AZ, Ryker, Evelyn, Tytus, & Arya Morgan, all of Phoenix, AZ, Carmen Facundo of Glendale, AZ, Gabriella Dschaak & Lily Grace Eastgate of Bismarck, ND, also many nieces, nephews, a few cousins and many friends. Darla was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest & Mable Piquette, her husband, James Kuntz, her sisters, JoAnn, Phyllis, Yvonne, and her brother, Daryl. Also preceding her were all of her aunts and uncles, most brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, many cousins, one niece, three nephews, and many friends. There will be no visitation, however, a Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, September 6th at Sunspire Mobile Home Park Community Clubhouse in Mesa, AZ with a reception to follow about 12 noon. Sunspire Clubhouse is located at 2600 East Allred Ave. in Mesa. An Inurnment will be at the Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery, 7900 East Main St. in Mesa at 10 AM on Monday, Sept. 8th. We will always love you. Mom, You are our sunshine!