Darla D. Schantz

Mrs. Darla D. Schantz, age 48, of Hastings passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 4th, 2015 at her home.

Darla was born in Hastings, MI on December 16, 1966, the daughter of the late Earl and Ardis (Harris) Wilkins. She was raised in the Hastings area and attended local schools completing her education at Hastings High School.

Darla began working at Thornapple Manor in 1990 as a dietary aide, and most recently as the nursing office secretary

One of Darla's true pleasures in life was her family and the relationships she enjoyed with her close friends. She was an amazing cook, and homemaker. Preparing her home and cooking for family and guests was something Darla looked forward too; she would often try new recipes for everyone to try when everyone was together. Her home was always a source of pride and was filled with knick knacks, crafts she had made and photographs of children and animals. Summer was Darla's favorite time of year. It was the perfect time of year of camp fires and parties with those she loved; she was always thinking of different was to get everyone together. Her giving spirit and loving heart was something that will never be forgotten; she was always there and willing to help anyone she could and gave freely of that gift to those who knew her.

Darla was forever young and remained a "kid at heart", continually playing practical jokes and pranks on her nieces and nephews. It was never a struggle for Darla to be the "cool" mom, because her passion for connecting with the people she loved just came natural. She enjoyed watching NASCAR, and cheering for her favorite driver Dale Earnhardt. Everyone knew better than to call during a race, that was Darla's time!

Together with her sister Carla and her mother, a shopping trip typically turned into an all day event visiting all of the Shopping Malls. Darla loved to have her hair and nails done and took great pride in her appearance, she always put her make up on before leaving the house! was a girly girly.

Darla is survived by her son, Jeffrey Schantz. She was preceded in death by her brothers James wilkins, Willie Murray and step daugher Angela Schantz

A Memorial Service will be held at The Daniels Funeral Home, Nashville, MI, at 7 PM on Friday, July 17th, with Pastor Joel Strickland officiating. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the funeral service beginning at 6 PM.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net