Betty Jean Darda, 100, of Hillsboro, died away at 10:37 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Montgomery Nursing and Rehab in Taylor Springs.
Graveside funeral services will be held Saturday, April 27 at 2:30 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsboro. The Rev. Stefan Munker, Pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, will officiate. For anyone unable to attend the graveside service, there will be a gathering at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church basement for coffee and desserts, following the service.
Ms. Darda was born June 12, 1923, in Hillsboro, to Jerry and Ethel (Settle) Darda. A 1941 graduate of Hillsboro High School and a 1942 graduate of St. Louis Business College, she worked for N.O. Nelson Co. and McQuay-Norris Mfg. Co. in St. Louis, MO. After returning to Hillsboro in 1946 she took a job at Illinois Power where she worked for 39 years until retirement in 1985. During her employment, she served as recording secretary for IBEW Local #1306 for six years.
Ms. Darda was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, where she taught Sunday School class for 20 years, served as chairman of Church Circle I, served on Alter Guild, served on Church Council for six years, helped with Bible School and helped deliver Meals on Wheels.
Ms. Darda was a member of American Legion Auxiliary where she served as Hillsboro Unit President, Montgomery County Council President and Twenty First District President, which included Macoupin, Montgomery, Christian and Sangamon Counties with 2,500 members at that time.
Ms. Darda was a member of the Historical Society of Montgomery County, serving as treasurer for several years. She was also a volunteer tutor at Hillsboro Junior High School for several years.
Ms. Darda is survived by a nephew, David (Patty) Darda of Ellensburg, WA; and three great-nephews, Joe Darda, Zack Darda and Sam Darda.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Darda in 2009; sister-in-law, Ruth Darda in 2015; and a niece, Nancy Darda in 2022.
Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or to the Historical Society of Montgomery County.
