Darla Schaeffer

Darla was born March

10, 1943 in Kenmare, ND,

the oldest of ten children

to Leo and Naomi (Eby)

Schmit. She grew up in

Kenmare and became in-

terested in music at an

early age. Darla began pi-

ano lessons with Sister

Edith at St. Agnes Church

and continued her studies

in piano and singing with

Mother Ruth through her

high school years, gra-

duating in 1961. Darla

played with the family

band and other local

bands until 1996.

Darla was once married

to Jim Wagner. This un-

ion was blessed with four

children. They made

their home in Kenmare.

In 1979, Darla moved to

Minot and entered the

workforce as an advocate

for low income residents

for Trinity Hospital. In

1981, she began working

for the Minot Public Li-

brary, a position she

would hold for the next

25 years. Darla was also

joined in marriage to

Roger Schaeffer in 1981.

She was blessed to add

two adopted children to

her growing family.

Darla remained in ser-

vice at the library to peo-

ple her entire working life

as an information special-ist for those in need of so-

cial services through in-

formation and referral ac-

tivities in Minot. She was

a member of the Mayor’s

Committee for many years

where she served as vice

chair and chair. This po-

sition led to her member-

ship on the ND

Governor’s Committee for

people with disabilities.

She attended national

conferences as an active

member leading to the

betterment of services to

those in Minot. She

served on the board of

Headstart, Domestic

Violence Crisis Center,

Companions For Children

and YWCA. Darla was a

longtime volunteer for the

Souris Valley United Way

and March of Dimes. Her

later years led Darla to the

position of resident

manager of the Parker

Suites. Darla also was in-

volved in a number of

Bridge Clubs in Minot.

She loved the challenge of

the game!

Darla was dedicated to

her children and

grandchildren, but always

was ready to lend a hand

to those in need. She will

be deeply missed and

fondly remembered by all

who shared in her life.

Darla is survived by

her loving husband of 38

years, Roger Schaeffer,

Minot; children Laurie

(Tony) Phelps, Forest, VA,

Lyndie (Jerry) Monson,

Williston, ND, Julie (Rick)

Wagner, Dickinson, ND,

James (Sheri) Wagner,

Minot, ND, Rhonda (Dennis) Tibbetts, Twin Falls,

ID and Rosie Valesquez,

Portland, OR; stepchil-

dren Crystal Schaeffer

and Billy Schaeffer both

of Twin Falls, ID; 9

grandchildren.

Celebration of Life Ser-

vice: Friday, December 6,

2019 at 11:00 a.m. in Zion

Lutheran Church, Minot.

Visitation: Thursday,

December 5, 2019 from

3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the

Thomas Family Funeral

Home, Minot.

In lieu of plants and

flowers, memorials are

preferred to the donor’s

preference.

Memories and con-

dolences can be shared at

www.thomasfamilyfunera

lhome.com