Darla A. Brantley, 70, of Sycamore, Ill., died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Dec. 16, 1938, in Belvidere, the daughter of Edwin and Hazel (Kolbrak) Cornwell. She married Donald L. Brantley on June 17, 1988.
Darla was employed at Northern Illinois University for more than 30 years, working in various departments. She was the administrative secretary in the provost's office before her retirement. Darla enjoyed going shopping and spending time with her family. She especially loved to have her grandchildren over and bake cookies for them. She also was an avid White Sox fan.
She is survived by her husband, Donald, of Sycamore; five children, Chris (Alicia) Owen of Los Gatos, Calif., Lisa (Doug) Edwards and Donna Hagemeier, both of Sycamore, Denise (Bill) Franklin of DeKalb and Debbie (Dan) Brust of Waterman; four step-children, Randy (Tina) Brantley of Rochelle, Kim Brantley of DeKalb, David (Lori) Brantley of Cortland and Shannon (Shannon) Hall of Alma; 23 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Tom Cornwell; and step-granddaughter, Brandi.
Her funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Butala Funeral Home and Crematory in Sycamore. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery, Sycamore. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Butala Funeral Home.
Memorials for Darla Brantley can be made in care of Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178; 815-895-2833.

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Published by Daily Chronicle from Dec. 10 to Dec. 13, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for DARLA BRANTLEY

15 Entries

Michelle Cadie

December 19, 2009

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cindy Fleetwood

December 18, 2009

Chris, Lisa, and families,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts at this difficult time. Remember to take care of each other.

David & Debbie Hooker

December 15, 2009

Don, Chris, Lisa, Donna, Denise and Debbie and families, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of your wife and mother. I remember when you all lived next door to us and you kids used to play with each other and you were always at our house or yours. She was a good mother and friend, she will be missed by all. She always was laughing about something and when she laughed you laughed. We lost touch when she moved but she was never far from our thoughts. Take care and remember the goods times and the bad, as they all made up your lives together and no one can take away the memories.

Marj Holliday

December 14, 2009

Don and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Darla and I were introduced by a mutual friend, Sally Saksa. You couldn't help but walk away with a smile after a conversation with Darla. A special person I feel blessed to have known. This great lady will truly be missed.

Phyllis Cress

December 14, 2009

My deepest heartfelt sympathy to Don and all the family. Darla was a unique and very special lady. She was always cheerful and laughing making everyone around her happy. We shared many wonderful times together through the years, and of course celebrated many birthdays together since our birthdays were only a week apart. Her laughter will remain an echo in my thoughts. May God always bless her and her loving family.

December 11, 2009

Our lives were certainly blessed by knowing Darla. We'll miss her. With all of our love ~~ The Lane Family (Sycamore, IL) Peace.

December 11, 2009

Chris, Lisa and family,

Sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Michael, Lori and Justin Loquercio

December 11, 2009

When I fist met Darla she was "in charge" at Student Affairs. Little did I suspect that she'd soon be in charge of me and everyone at the General Counsel's office at NIU. Later she assumed control of the Provost's Office. She was loyal, kind, caring, and very, very bright. Darla loved her family and friends and we all reciprocated. Martha and I send our condolences and deepest sympathy to Don and all in Darla's family.

George Shur

kimi king

December 10, 2009

Chris, Lisa & family, You cannot begin to know how saddened we are to hear of your loss. My gosh, it just happened so fast. It is such an invidious disease. There are no words that can be said at times like this. It feels so overwhelming and sad. Just know that we love you, and we care about you & that you are in our thoughts. I have no doubt that you will carry part of her with you for the rest of your life. & I have every confidence that's she's hanging out with Sondra right now keeping an eye on all those beautiful grandchildren. Hugs, until we get the chance to hug for real! Kimi & Karisa King

Gretchen Amick

December 10, 2009

Darla and I had the mutual privilege of being co-mother-in-law to Dan and Debbie. I've been blessed by gaining a beautiful daughter-in-law, two awesome grandchildren, and by knowing Darla and her family. She was a very giving woman, always smiling, always welcoming, and hospitable to all she met. From the day we met, she treated me as one of her family. I will miss her.

Donna Finnestad

December 10, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of Darla's passing, but she is in a better place now. God bless and keep her. Darla was in my class in high school, my sympathy to the family
Sincerely

December 10, 2009

Our prayers are with the family. I will certainly miss Darla. She was a very special lady and I enjoyed her friendship.

A Friend,
Terry Albright

Jo Ann Bergren

December 10, 2009

I was very sorry to learn of Darla's passing. I worked with her at NIU for many years. Darla was always kind and had a wonderful laugh which she used to lighten everyone's day. She was a great employee for NIU and will be missed by those of us who knew her.

kenny adkins

December 10, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Amy Edwards

December 10, 2009

Darla has touched my life in so many ways. She has to be one of the most loving people I know. She could always comfort you in any situation. I will miss her dearly but I feel so blessed to have had her in my life. You are all in my thougths and prayers. Love to you all.

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