Darla A. Colwell

East Peoria, IL – Darla Ann Huber-Colwell, 60, of East Peoria, IL. formerly of Kewanee, IL. passed away Sunday, November 09, 2025, comfortably and surrounded by family. Darla was born on December 11, 1964, in Kewanee, the daughter of Daniel W. Huber and Gloria N. Huber.

She is survived by her loving partner, Mike Mayne; five children; Nicholas German (Sherri), Brandon German, Michael German, Zachary German, and Larry Colwell II; eight siblings; Diana (Kevin) Geisler, Debbie (Kenny) Hess, Douglas Turner, Daniel (Tracy) Huber Jr., Denise (Jeff) Hadsall, Sheri Huber-Otting, Lyn Huber, and Kathy (Burt) Wright; and four grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father.

Darla was a fighter for 30 years, a true MS Warrior! She navigated the challenges of her diseases not just with endurance, but often with a courageous smile and an unwavering spirit that defined her character more than the sickness ever could. Even when faced with persistent adversity, she continued her strong faith and spirituality. She was truly a woman of God.

She was an amazing life partner, mother, daughter, and sister. The true heart and soul of the family, a rock anyone could turn to.  A mother of five boys, her love for her sons was unwavering and loyal, always willing to lend a hand through anything and everything. Then there were her grandchildren, whom she just loved and adored endlessly. Whenever she was able to speak with them, it would raise her constant joy to a new level. She also loved going to her bonus grandkids' events when she could.

Darla was compassionate about touching as many people's lives as she could, never meeting a stranger. She always started every conversation with someone she had never met with, "I love to share the word of Jesus," and then would give them a faith-based novelty item she had bought with her own money. Her most enjoyable daily activity was calling her mom to read a passage from her Jesus Calling book; every call ended with one of them saying the Lord's Prayer. She cherished the conversations and time spent with her best friend Kathy Butler. For relaxation, she enjoyed going to Christian concerts, with her favorite band being Casting Crowns. She also enjoyed going to casinos, where she would most often find herself playing MRWOO, forgetting about her pain from her chronic illness for a while. Heaven just gained the greatest Angel!

Visitation will be from 12:00 - 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the First Christian Church. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, at the church. Pastor John Reside will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to the GoFundMe (Darla Colwell Go Fund Me) or memorial envelopes at the ceremony. Any excess funds will be donated to the MS Foundation in Darla’s name. Online condolences for Darla's family may be left at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.

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