Darla M. Elsbury

Darla M. Elsbury, age 83, of Atkinson, passed away Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at Parkside Manor in Stuart.

Visitation was held from 3-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, at the Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson.

A celebration of life was held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday (today), Aug. 16, 2012, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Atkinson with Father Luke Steffes officiating. Music was provided by soloist, Bonnie Krysl and organist, Terri Vrooman.

Pallbearers were Darla's grandsons: Bob, Brent and Kevin Ogden; Joshua Aguirre; Jeremiah,  Jacob, Jordan and Josiah Wondercheck; Jeff Elsbury; Pat and Chris Gentele; Matt Elsbury; Nate and Ian Cambras.

Honorary pallbearers were Darla's granddaughters: Nikki Shald, Jennifer Scott, Jasmynn Gilger, Jerica Moorehead, Amy Elsbury, Sarah Klinger, Jessica DeBerg, Chantele Elsbury and Emily Elsbury. Burial was in  St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery at Atkinson.

Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson was in charge of arrangements.

Darla Marie was born on Feb. 18, 1929, in Ewing to Ralph and Lily (Dalton) Davis. She and her younger sister, Donna, attended country school and then boarded at St. Mary's Academy in O'Neill. Darla graduated from high school in 1945. After graduation she worked at the telephone company in O'Neill as a switchboard operator.

She married Ray Elsbury on May 3, 1950. They made their home in Atkinson where they raised eight children. 

Darla was a member of the Catholic Daughters, St. Joseph Altar Society, the American Legion Auxiliary and also served on the St. Joseph school board. She worked at the Good Samaritan Center for several years and also at Prairie Winds Assisted Living.

She most enjoyed spending time with her family. She never forgot a birthday, anniversary or special occasion. She also enjoyed quilting, embroidering, playing Scrabble and solving challenging crossword puzzles.

Darla is survived by her children: Ellen Ogden and husband, Don of Atkinson; Cathy Deitemeyer and husband, Rob of O'Neill; Marcia Wondercheck and husband, Warren of Atkinson; John Elsbury and wife, Sheryl of Atkinson; Raedeen Gentele and husband, Dennis of Atkinson; Mark Elsbury and wife, Jackie of O'Neill; Will Elsbury and partner, Kevin Thohinang of Alexandria, VA; Cheryl Cambras and husband, Max of Los Angeles, CA; 23 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond; her infant daughter, Caroline; sister, Donna DeBacker and her grandsons, Jason Elsbury and Tony Aguirre.