Darla Rebecca Schildknecht of St. Joseph, formerly of Trenton, MO passed away peacefully August 12th, 2019. 

She was born on September 9th, 1954 to Thomas Gibson and Margaret Rebecca (Rainey) Ferguson in Havana, Illinois. They moved to Trenton in 1969 where she graduated from high school and attended Trenton Jr. College. Darla lived most of her life in the St. Joseph area. 

Darla had great salesmanship skills which she learned from her grandparents. She was successful at selling Longaberger Baskets and Pampered Chef. In 1994 she received a diploma for manicuring from Northwest Missouri Community College. She started her own business called Darla’s Pampering Services. This was definitely her calling. She is one of a few that provided these services in the privacy of a client’s home. Her clients were all loved and spoiled by her pampering. 

Darla was a very special person, who loved her family, friends, and pets without any reservation. She was always thinking of others and their needs. She was quick-witted, humorous, kind, caring, and supportive. She had a beautiful voice and loved music and dancing! She was able to make all smile and laugh when you were with her. 

She didn’t have any particular hobbies, but had gotten into flower gardening, and loved to travel. She traveled with family and friends to many places, including Ireland, Alaska and Canada. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Daryl and Douglas Ferguson; sister, Diana Ferguson; nephew, Jason Ferguson; sister-in-law Jeannie Ferguson. 

Darla is survived by her brothers, Daniel Ferguson and wife Anna, Trenton, and Dwight Ferguson and wife Cathy, Amazonia, MO; many nieces and nephews, and numerous other family members. 

Memorial Service 2:00 pm Saturday, August 17th, 2019 at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower, MO with visitation one hour prior. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Animal Shelter.