Zada Darr
Medora |
Zada (Fern) Darr, 92, of Medora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 18, 1932, in Jerseyville, the daughter of the late George Loy and Dorothy (Gross) Rigsbey. She married Myron Darr on March 26, 1949, and together they built a beautiful life until his passing on December 21, 2000.
Fern was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She embraced farm life with strength and grace, raising five children while helping with the daily work—milking cows, tending large gardens, and canning the harvest. She was a gifted seamstress, sewing clothes for her children and mending garments with love. Later in life, she continued to serve her community by altering wedding and prom dresses for family and friends.
She had a deep love for flowers and the outdoors. Remarkably independent and hardworking, Fern continued to mow her own lawn and care for her flower beds right up until the day she passed. Her love of floral beauty also led her to work alongside her daughter in her daughter’s flower shop—a place where her creativity and care brightened many lives.
Fern was a talented painter whose work now adorns the walls of loved ones. During her travels, she would collect rocks and paint scenes on them, always noting the location and date, creating unique mementos of each journey. She loved to travel and was fortunate to see many of the world’s wonders with dear friends and family.
She also worked as an Avon representative—likely enjoying the social connection as much as the business. Whether playing cards, dancing, or enjoying homemade ice cream with friends, Fern treasured every moment spent in good company.
She also had a deep interest in her family’s roots and enjoyed researching her family genealogy. She took pride in learning about her heritage and sharing stories and discoveries with her loved ones, helping keep family history alive for future generations.
And, above all, she found joy in caring for others. She made the best chicken and noodles—a dish her family will always associate with warmth, love, and togetherness. It wasn’t just food; it was comfort, and a little piece of her heart on every plate.
When her children were grown, Fern fully embraced her role as “Granny Fern.” She was always there—babysitting, coloring, attending school events and sports games, and offering unconditional love. Her grandchildren often said she was the best field trip chaperone—always prepared, always fun, and always full of encouragement. She made every outing a memory to treasure. She cheered proudly from the sidelines, even if sometimes it was for the wrong team.
She is survived by:
- Two sons: Richard (Cynthia) Darr, Kenneth (Myronna) Darr, both of Medora
- Two daughters: Judy Stanton of Medora, Tammy (Ray) Frazier of Bunker Hill
- Twelve grandchildren: Christina and Mike Davis (Texas), Richard and Tonya (Gray) Darr (Brighton), Katie and Brian Schuessler (Bethalto), Kendra Thornsbury (Jerseyville), Callie Darr (Jerseyville), Keegan and Jordan (Crawford) Darr (Texas), Jared and Chelsea (Ross) Stanton (Medora), Adam and Lauren (Baker) Stanton (Medora), Bryce Medford (O’Fallon), Chealsie and Caleb Elliott (Arizona), Lauren and Danny Abbott (Palmyra), Angela Hunter (Texas)
- Thirty-two great-grandchildren
- Four great-great-grandchildren
- Aunt Wanda Gross
- Sister-in-law Geraldine Cox
- Loving friends Betty Bennett and Carol Brooks
- Many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Myron, her son Gary, two infant brothers, and her son-in-law Ron Stanton.
She was Fern, Mom, Granny Fern, Great-Grandma, Great-Great-Grandma, and Aunt Fern. She was so proud of the legacy that she and Myron built together—a legacy of family, love, hard work, and joy. To so many whose hearts are aching, we take comfort in knowing she will always be with us. She leaves behind a life beautifully lived and deeply loved. May we all live half as fully and love half as deeply.
We love you always and forever.
Visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Medora.
Funeral will be held at 10am on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Medora.
Burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jersey County Historical Society.
Condolences may be left online at www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com.
Anderson Family Funeral Home
