Darla Johnson Shepardson's Obituary
On March 18, 2026, Darla Johnson Shepardson passed away and was reunited with her husband, David, whose love and companionship had long been a central part of her life.
Darla was born on June 27, 1945, to Samuel and Viola Johnson. Her early life was shaped by loss and challenge, including the death of her father in a house fire when she was 13. Raised in a strict home, she developed a strong will and independence that would remain with her throughout her life.
Darla married her first husband, Kenneth Cloud, in 1963 in Blythe California and together had 4 beautiful children; Kimberly, Kandra, Kenneth, and Kory. Unfortunately this first marriage didn’t last and they later divorced in 1974. Darla continued on being a single mother to her 4 wonderful children for many years. Raising them in righteousness and strength.
Darla was sealed for time and all eternity to David Shepardson on August 6, 1983, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they built a life full of love, challenges, and hard work. They soon welcomed two sons together, Samuel and Nathan, completing their eternal family. Life was not always easy; Darla faced struggles, losses, and heartache, yet she fiercely protected and nurtured her family in her own way.
Darla’s greatest joy in life was always babies and little children. Their laughter, curiosity, and energy brought her unmatched happiness and a spark that endured even through life’s most difficult seasons. No matter how she was feeling, seeing her grandchildren was a daily occurrence. She loved to play with them and see how they were doing. She felt immense pride in their accomplishments.
In recent years, Darla lived with severe dementia at Beehive Memory Care Center. Once she settled in she quickly became the “mascot” of the center—walking through the halls, greeting everyone, and brightening the days of both residents and staff. She loved to sit and chat with other residents, forming small connections even when they did not speak the same language, and she was often the first friendly face anyone saw upon entering the building. Her care team at Beehive and the care takers at Symbii Hospice provided devoted, compassionate support during the final year of her life, bringing comfort to Darla and her family—a kindness for which we will always be grateful.
Darla was preceded in death by her beloved husband David and son, Kenneth Cloud Jr. She is survived by her nine living children and their spouses: Jeffery (Jana), Debra, David, Jennifer (Lauren), Kimberly (Robb), Kandra (Kendall), Kory (Kellie), Samuel (Cecily), and Nathan (Ashley), as well as 27 grandchildren and 18+ great-grandchildren.
A memorial luncheon will be held in Utah on March 28th, where family and loved ones will gather to share memories and celebrate Darla’s life. A graveside service will follow on April 7th at 11:00 a.m. at Palo Verde Cemetery in Blythe, California, where she will be laid to rest.
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