Darla Schaeffer, 76, Minot, died Monday, December 2, 2019 in a Minot hospital.

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 interested in music at an early age. Darla began piano lessons with Sister Edith at St. Agnes Church and continued her studies in piano and singing with Mother Ruth through her high school years, graduating in 1961. Darla played with the family band and other local bands until 1996.

Darla was once married to Jim Wagner. This union 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 Library, 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 service at the library to people her entire working life as an information specialist for those in need of social services through information and referral activities in Minot. She was a member of the Mayor's Committee for many years where she served as vice chair and chair. This position led to her membership 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 involved 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; stepchildren Crystal Schaeffer and Billy Schaeffer both of Twin Falls, ID; 9 grandchildren; siblings Rita (Robert) Myre, Willows, CA, Andrew (Mai) Schmit, Bismarck, ND, Jim (Denae) Schmit, Kenmare, ND, Coletta (Buddy) MoWatters, Spokane, WA, Marla (Larry) Schaefer, Belleville, OH, Jerry (Connie) Schmit, Kenmare, ND, Mike (Donna) Schmit, Kenmare, ND, LuAnne (Jon) Gustafson, Minot, ND and Robert (Yvonne) Schmit, Spokane, WA along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life Service: 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.

Darla Schaeffer Flowers