Darla Kay Smith
1956 - 2024

Darla Kay Smith passed away on the evening of July 12, 2024 while in her home, due to the reoccurrence and complications of cancer. Darla was surrounded at the time by the presence of her beloved Husband, Daughter, Grandchildren, and Son in law.

Darla was born on October 30, 1956 in Merced California, to parents Frank William Destfino and Julia Ann Beasley. She was a fighter from the start, in beating the odds being born prematurely weighing in at around 2 lbs. She was so small she could fit into the palm of your hand, being so tiny she earned the name "Mickey".

Darla grew up in Sacramento CA by McClellan Air Force Base. There she attended grade school  and was at the top of her class, developing a love for learning and many friendships. Darla was accepted into Sacramento State university, where she studied Nursing. She loved the fact that she owned a Ford mustang, and would always tell stories raving about her car. Being proud driving around with a sense of independence and freedom as a young woman.

In 1978 at a Christmas party Darla met her soon to be husband Mark Joseph Smith, it was love at first sight. On February 9, 1979 Darla and Mark were married in Reno Nevada. Soon after Darla welcomed her first born Son Christopher Scott Smith, and Daughter Amber Nicole Smith. Darla loved her children with all of her heart, and was an amazing mother.

Darla had a deep love for the ocean, loving to go to the central coast, San Simeon in particular. She would sit on the beach for hours looking for shells, unique rocks, and sea glass, bringing them home and collecting. She loved to crochet, and journal, drawling colorful pictures. Darla loved music especially Taylor Swift, Céline Dion, and Katy Perry. She would put her headphones on singing and dancing like no one was watching. Darla was very passionate about her faith in Jesus Christ.

Darla was most recently an active grandmother, being very attentive and loving to her grandchildren. Always making sure that they had everything they needed and wanted, even if it meant she had to sacrifice from her own collection.
Darla is survived by Husband Mark Joesph Smith, Son Christopher Scott Smith, and Daughter Amber Nicole Gomez.

"You've got to dance like there's nobody watching, love like you'll never be hurt,
sing like there's nobody listening and live like it's heaven on earth."

-William W. Purkey