Luella May Darr, 88, of Smithville, MO passed away April 7, 2023.  

She was born on November 12, 1934, to James H. and Hazel I. (Downing) Hope in Green City, MO where she grew up and graduated from Green City High School.  On January 5, 1952, 

Lu was united in marriage to Frederick Gordon Darr. Fred and Lu settled in Smithville, MO where they owned and operated Darr’s Elite Cleaners and Laundry in Smithville and Platte City for many years. Fred passed away on October 30, 2014.  

Lu was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Smithville. She volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, playing the piano and most of all she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  

She was preceded in death by her husband Fred Darr; her parents James and Hazel Hope; her sisters Zelma (Marvin) Cox and Ramah Hope; her brothers James (Eleanor) Hope and Don (Louise) Hope; and her brothers in law Jim Armstrong and Art Phariss  

Lu is survived by her Children Michael (Ann) Darr, Steven (Linda) Darr, James (Tiernie) Darr and Janet (David) Anderson; grandchildren: Jennifer (Jason) Ayers, Jeromy (Ashley) Darr, Kimberly (Tom) Casebolt, Christopher Darr, Christina (Scott) Cross, Jonathan (Amy) Darr, Stephanie (Chris) Ross, Phil (Susan) Anderson, Marcus Anderson, Joshua Darr, Courtney Darr and Felicia Anderson, and her love continued for her 28 great grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters; her two sisters Jeannette Armstrong and Lyndall Phariss; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.    

Celebration of Life Service: 1:00 p.m. with Fellowship time following until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 15th at Smithville United Methodist Church. 

The family suggested donations to the Smithville United Methodist Church. 

Private Family Inurnment will be held at Ridgely Cemetery.  

Arrangements by Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville