Judy Darnell 1943-2024

Judith Ann Darnell, 81, of Mayetta, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.

Judy was born June 16, 1943, in Holton, the daughter of Charles and Virginia (Delgadillo) Jacobson.

Judy graduated from Mayetta High School in 1961. She was a very active member of the Mayetta community. She founded Mayetta Pioneer Days in 1993, as well as the Mayetta Business Association.

She and her husband, Eldon, owned and operated Native Essence Trading Post in Mayetta. Judy worked for Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in enrollment services, and also for the Royal Valley School District as a secretary.

She was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and the Potawatomi United Methodist Church.

Judy married Eldon Lee Darnell on July 4, 1982, in Mayetta. They celebrated more than 42 years of marriage.

Survivors include her husband, Eldon, of the home; a son, Alan Scott Anderson of Kansas City, Mo.; two daughters, Sharon Jean Anderson and Vicki Armstrong (Mike), both of Mayetta; two sisters, Shirley Jacobson and Carol Kern, both of Topeka; a brother, Chuck Jacobson (Sharon) of Mayetta; four grandchildren; Sophie Jean and Oliver Jean Anderson, Sarah Graham and Rebecca Anderson; two great-grandchildren, Delilah McCoy and Wyatt McCoy, all of Burden; and four stepchildren, Kristine, Bobbi, Theresa and Eldon (Jr.) Darnell, all of Horton.

Judy is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Rachael Anderson-McCoy; and a brother-in-law, Roger Ortega.

Private family graveside service will be held at Mayetta Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Friday, Oct. 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.

Memorials may be given to Heart of Jackson Humane Society, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)