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Iva (Hutchens) Darling of Waldron, Arkansas, passed from this life, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, in Waldron, Arkansas. Iva was born Dec. 25, 1926, to Arch and Lola (Ballard) Hutchens. She was 93 years, 11 months, and 23 days old.
While visiting family in Wyoming, Iva met the love of her life, Robert Darling. They married and set up a homestead. They lived in Wyoming and raised their children there until they relocated to Waldron in the early 1970s.
Iva was a woman of many talents. She loved to garden and can the fruits of her labor. She could cook a meal fit for a king, and she was known for her strawberry preserves. She made the best cherry phosphates in town. When she wasn’t in the kitchen, she loved to dance and listen to music. She especially loved to listen to her good friend, Bob Shores. Iva was a kind and loving woman, and more than anything, she treasured time spent with her family.
Iva leaves behind to cherish her memory her children: Jane Hood and husband Walter of Henderson, Texas; Janet Burris and husband Steven of Kansas City, Missouri; and Robert Darling Jr. and wife Cheryl of Cody.
Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her six grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren. Iva is also survived by her siblings: Darvin Hutchens and wife Glenda of Waldron, Arkansas; JT Hutchens and wife Josephine of California; Bill Hutchens and Shirley Johnson, both of Waldron, Arkansas.
Iva will be missed by all who knew her and the many lives she impacted, including numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors she loved dearly.
Iva was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Robert Darling, her parents, Arch and Lola Hutchens, and her siblings, Vester Hutchens, Jerry Hutchens and Doris Ferguson.
Iva’s graveside life celebration was held on Dec. 21, 2020, at Pilot Prairie Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas, with Rev. Doyle Reynolds officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
You may leave words of comfort and remembrance for Iva’s family by visiting www.heritagememorialfh.com.
