Darla Sue Denish Stephens

1945 - 2024

Darla Sue Denish Stephens, 78, of Hannibal, MO formerly of Papillion and Auburn NE and Palmyra, MO, passed away surrounded by her family, at 9:38 PM, Monday, August 19, 2024, at her home.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO. Brother Jeff Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow at Durham Cemetery.

Friends and family are invited to Darla's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, Friday, August 23, 2024, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.

Darla was born August 21, 1945, in Hannibal, MO to Friend Edwin and Esther Marie Cary Denish. She was married to John Stephens on December 21, 1980, in Palmyra, MO. He survives.

Other survivors include her daughter, Jennifer Burditt (Ron) of Hunnewell, MO, Son-in-Law, Nate Most (Wendy) Gothenburg, NE, Daughter, Muriel Filas of Gilbert, AZ, and son Barry Stephens (Yoko) of Camp Zama, Japan, Grandchildren, Amber Burditt, Micah Most (Emileah), Valerie Lamb (Daniel), Joya Most, Lukan Most, Jaden Most, Cameron Filas (Deanna), Jackson Filas (Landis), Christopher Kai Stephens, Amanda Kei Stephens, Annika Mirei Stephens and Jayson Taiga Stephens, 9 Great Grandchildren, Sister-in-Law, Lisa Huett, Niece, Susanne Beer (JD), Nephew, Friend Edwin Denish II (Natalie), and Niece Heidi Bower (Michael).

Darla was preceded in death by her Parents, Daughter, Amy Most, Brothers, Gene Denish, and Edwin Denish.

Darla dedicated 25 years to teaching, where she taught at Philadelphia Schools, Christian Schools, where she left a lasting impact from 1998 to 2003. Her passion for literacy led her to Nebraska, where she thrived as a Reading Specialist, guiding children who needed extra support.

Darla's love for antique furniture saw her and John breathe new life into timeless pieces. Her organizational skills were unparalleled, and she approached life with meticulous plans, ensuring everything was just so. Her collection of various items was a testament to her appreciation for history and detail.

A wonderful cook, Darla delighted family and friends with her recipes. Her adventurous spirit took her on roads less traveled, from the deserts of Arizona and Nevada to the scenic routes of Canada and California. In quieter moments, she found joy in watching romantic comedies, mysteries like "Murder She Wrote," and the classical compositions of Mozart, which filled her home with warmth and elegance. Darla's legacy is one of passion, education, and the pursuit of life's simple pleasures.

Pallbearers will be Ron Burditt, Nate Most, Micah Most, Lukan Most, Jaden Most, Dylan Becker, Kayden Hamilton, and Jaxyn Hamilton.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or other worthy cancer research hospitals.