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Darla J. Rearley, 75

Darla J. Rearley

EAST LIVERPOOL — On Thursday morning, April 27, 2017, Darla J. Rearley left her earthly home, surrounded by her loving family while under the care of Valley Hospice at Trinity Hospital in Steubenville. Darla had been battling cancer for a brief time and died at 9:03 a.m.

A daughter of the late Theron and Mina Peterson Merriman, she was born at home in Wellsville on April 14, 1942. Raised on Koontz Avenue and Peterson Road in Wellsville, she was proud of her roots and remained in this area the rest of her life. She was a member of the Class of 1960 at East Liverpool High School.

Darla was married to Dale C. Watkins until 1981; he preceded her in death. She later married John Rearley, who survives. Darla was a devoted homemaker and loved taking care of her family. She also found peace by working in her flower gardens.

She faithfully attended the Living Well Church in Wellsville.

Darla leaves behind her beloved children: a daughter, Mina Timmons of East Liverpool; and three sons, Scott Watkins and his wife, Laurie, of Wellsville; Dennis Watkins and his wife, Dixie, of Lecanto, Fla.; and Michael Watkins of Wellsville. She also cherished her 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, and also her canine companion, Honey.

She will also be missed by her brother, Howard Merriman and his wife, Gayle, of East Liverpool, along with her sister, Karen Wiley, of Illinois and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Scott Theron Watkins, and by her siblings: Irma McCoy, Carol Merriman, Frank Merriman, Ralph Merriman, Leonard Merriman and Kenneth Merriman.

A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Monday at the Dawson Funeral Home, with Pastor Dirk Hall of the church officiating. Burial will take place at Spring Hill Cemetery in Wellsville, followed by a continued time of fellowship at the Living Well Church.

Friends may visit at the funeral home on Sunday, where the family will be present from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions in Darla’s name to Valley Hospice, 10686 State Route 150, Rayland, Ohio 43943.

View Darla’s memorial webpage and express condolences to the family online at www.dawsonfuneralhome.com.