Darla Joy Palmer, age 65, passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2025, at her home in Lowell, Michigan. Her sudden passing has left her family, friends, and community deeply saddened and shocked.
Darla was born on January 4, 1960, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, to Darwin and Winifred Hartman, who preceded her in death. She is lovingly survived by her sister, Rebecca (Dale) De Waard of Au Gres, MI; niece, Ashly (Todd) Buckingham; great-niece, Allyson Gleason; nephew, Neil De Waard; many aunts, uncles, cousins; and her two dearest friends, Ann Hoekstra and Katie Wirsch.
Darla spent her early years in Mt. Pleasant before her family relocated to Midland in 1969. She graduated from Bullock Creek High School in 1978 and went on to earn her degree in Secondary Education from Central Michigan University in 1983. Later, she obtained a Master of Arts in Education from Cornerstone University in 2009.
Her teaching career began in Laredo, Texas, where she taught 8th grade History and Reading at Cigarroa Middle School and coached girls’ basketball, volleyball, and track. After returning to Michigan to marry, Darla began teaching at Unity Alternative Education in Lowell. In 1998, she transitioned to Lowell Middle School, where she continued to teach 8th grade U.S. History until her passing. While she no longer coached, she enjoyed keeping score for the 8th grade basketball team alongside her friend Katie.
Darla had a deep passion for learning, reading, and sports—especially football. A devoted fan of both the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Texas A&M Aggies, she proudly flew both teams’ flags on her balcony on game days.
A woman of strong Christian faith, Darla’s home was filled with inspirational scripture and reminders of her devotion. She served as a pastor’s wife for several years and lived her life with generosity, dedication, and unwavering love for her students and colleagues. Known for arriving at school early to enjoy coffee and conversation with coworkers, Darla’s presence was a cherished part of the Lowell school community.
Her impact as an educator, mentor, and friend is immeasurable. Darla will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know and love her.
The family will greet friends and relatives from 11am-1pm on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, Michigan 49331, with funeral services starting at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers, those considering an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a contribution to the East Coast Trip Scholarship Fund in her memory. Checks can be made to American History Tours, PO Box 536, Saranac, Michigan 48881.
11 Responses
Oh, Becky, I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Family and Friends of Darla. We all, in her Bullock Creek High School are saddened by the unplanned loss of a good friend.
Take care forever.
Carol J. Schaefer
Midland, MI 48640
Becky-We have no words to describe the loss of your wonderful sister and our devoted friend. She left such an incredible mark on the students and coworkers at Cigarroa Middle and Laredo. God brought us together for a reason and we’ll be forever grateful for our friendship of over 40 years. Please accept sincere condolences. Love always Chari/Marsha
I would like to give my most sincerest condolences to Mrs.Palmer’s family. I was one of her students in Laredo,TX(Cigarroa Middle). She was a very well liked teacher and impacted a lot of lives. She will be greatly missed. May she Rest In Peace with our Lord and Savior..
May she rest in peace! Will be missed by many people. Condolences to her family. Great person and friend. I will remember her always.
Rest in Peace Mrs. Heartman . She was a great Teacher. She was always happy to see us in class. 🙏🙏
My condolences to the Palmer family, Darla was a super person and will be greatly missed.
Condolences to Darla’s family. Darla lived her life to help , educate and inspire others. Rest in peace in the Lord’s kingdom.
My thoughts are with Becky and the family. Darla and I were good friends in high school and 2 years at CMU, and she has left me (and so many others) with wonderful memories to fill our hearts. RIP, my friend.
Carla Morey
Mrs Palmer touched so many lives. My son is a senior and still has the letter that she wrote to her students in 8th grade because of how inspiring it was and how much he enjoyed her class and her teaching. He insisted that his younger brother have her this coming school year, and we are so sad that he won’t be able to experience her as his brother did. Condolences to her family.
I pride myself in my formation of relationships with my students, and I can tell you without a doubt, that your mom was too! I’ve never met a former student of her’s that didn’t respect and love her.
Middle school can be an interesting time for many students, so knowing that she was going to be there everyday, must have been a great assurance for her students. Her unplanned passing has left us all stunned and saddened. May you all find peace and comfort in knowing how much of a difference your Darla made.