Jody Morton Darbro Tuerff

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jody Morton Darbro Tuerff, a remarkable woman who touched countless lives with her generosity, wisdom, and boundless love. Born February 18, 1956, Jody passed away on January 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and compassion that will live on in all who knew her.

Jody was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who never met a stranger. Her life’s purpose was rooted in helping others, always putting their needs before her own. She brought light and laughter into every room, often transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary with her creativity, humor, and endless patience. Her talents of cooking, baking, crafting and painting were gifts she lovingly shared, and her warmth extended to everyone she encountered.

Jody embraced life fully, enjoying simple pleasures like a good laugh, a heartfelt Hallmark movie, a cold beer, a beautiful sunset and listening to the perspective of children. She was a problem-solver, a confidante, and a source of comfort for so many, never dwelling on the past or harboring grudges. She was a firm believer that every challenge had a solution and lived by that philosophy with remarkable grace.

Born to Cecil and Joan Morton, Jody grew up in rural Nebraska, attending District 22 School before graduating from Eustis Public Schools in 1974. A social and lively spirit, she was adored by her classmates and carried that joy into adulthood.

Jody attended Kearney State College and graduated from Joseph’s College of Cosmetology. On November 26, 1977, Jody married Tom Darbro in Aurora, Nebraska, during an ice storm, a memorable day made even more special by the next morning’s impromptu hospital chapel ceremony in Lexington, where her father, recovering from surgery, walked her down the aisle. Together, Jody and Tom raised two sons, Mitchell Lee and Adam Christopher in Aurora and Wahoo Nebraska. 

Wherever she lived, Jody thrived. She forged deep, meaningful friendships and approached every new chapter with optimism and a belief that life unfolds as it’s meant to. As a mother and grandmother, she radiated pride and joy, cherishing family traditions like making pasta salad, cinnamon muffins, and “candy coal” with her grandchildren at Christmas. She especially loved celebrating her February birthday alongside her son Adam’s, an annual crab leg dinner being one of her favorite traditions.

Jody was an exceptional employee, dedicating herself fully to every job. Her care for others was evident in her work, and she was honored as a Caring Kind Award recipient during her time at Memorial Hospital in Aurora. But it was her personal connections and the lives she enriched that truly defined her.

Jody is survived by her adoring sons and their wives, Mitch and Stacey Darbro of Omaha, and Adam and Sara Darbro of Aurora; her grandchildren, Riley Darbro (fiancé, Levi Zimmer), Emma Darbro, Calan Darbro, and Maci Darbro; her great-granddaughter, Remi Zimmer; her parents, Cecil (Connie) Morton and Joan Moore; her sisters, Marilee (Dave) Malcom and Sharon (Bruce) Hueftle; step siblings Tom (Kathy) Moore, James (Judy) Moore, Diana (James) Meiergerd, Georgie (Jim) Flesch, Rod ( Becky) Groenewald; Tom Darbro, father of her sons. She was adored as the fun-loving aunt by her nieces and nephews and treasured by her cousins and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her step-father Dennis Moore, step-brother Paul Moore, her nephew, Anthony Darbro and her grandparents. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2 pm. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eustis, Nebraska. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial gifts in honor of Jody. The gifts will be designated to support children who are in need of school supplies, medical supplies, clothing and personal items, in honor of Jody’s unwavering commitment to helping others. Her passion for service and compassion for those in need were unmatched, and continuing her legacy of generosity would bring comfort to her family. Memories of Jody and memorial gifts can be sent to: Mitch Darbro, 6735 S 139 Avenue Circle, Millard NE 68137.

Jody’s passing leaves a profound void, but her spirit will remain a guiding light to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her laughter, wisdom, and love will forever echo in our hearts as we strive to embody her remarkable capacity for forgiveness, resilience, and joy. Thank you for your love and prayers during this time of loss. Jody was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.