Darla D. Woods of Miles City, Montana passed away on July 4th, 2025.
Darla was born to Robert and Pansy May in Miles City, Montana on January 12th, 1956. Darla treasured her memories of growing up on the farm at Kinsey, Montana with her siblings Laramie and Ginger. Her fondest moments were working with her mom and dad on the farm. She loved reminiscing about haying, irrigating, and farming with her dad. Darla graduated from Custer County District High School and immediately went to work. Her work ethic and tenacity to always complete a task at a superior level never waivered her entire life.
In 1976 she met her loving husband, Michael Woods, and on June 25th, 1977, Mike and Darla married. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary just days before her passing. Mike and Darla worked on the McRae ranch for eight years before returning to the Kinsey farm she so dearly loved and cherished. They would reside at Kinsey the rest of Darla’s life. Mike and Darla raised two children, Jay and Amber. Darla loved her children with a fierceness that can not be rivaled. She was a loving and selfless wife and mother who constantly put the needs of others above her own.
Darla was an avid outdoors woman and animal lover. She enjoyed hiking, fishing, camping, and gardening. She enjoyed a daily walk until one week prior to her death. Darla’s warm, compassionate, and giving nature were infectious to all of those who surrounded her. Her warmhearted smile and hugs put everyone at ease, even in the most difficult of times. Cooking and baking for others brought her much joy, but her most endearing quality was her innate ability to enjoy all the little things life offered. Whenever she hiked, she returned with her pockets full of treasures which often included rocks, feathers, and pine cones. Material wealth was never important to Darla as it was truly the little things that meant the most to her. Darla’s family meant everything to her, and she loved that she could drive a half mile down the road to visit her sister, Ginger, and catch up on the latest news.
Darla is survived by her son, Jay Woods (Kaci); daughter, Amber Solomon (Zane); sister, Ginger Omland (Terry); and her loving husband, Michael Woods. Darla leaves behind many extended family members who she loved so dearly.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert May; mother, Pansy May; brother, Laramie McMillan; father-in-law, Albert Woods; and mother-in-law, Mary Jean Woods.
Darla was a bright light who will be deeply missed and always lovingly remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Parlor, 1806 Main Street in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 11, 2025
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Friday July 11, 2025
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, MT
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Tayvee Steen says
Mike, Amber and Jay,
My heart hurts for you, as I sit here and attempt say something there is just not love and that I can express to you all. I will be praying for you all. Love Tayvee
Bruce Ingraham says
Cindy and I send our thoughts and prayers. We are sad to hear this. Darla and I grew up together and shared many school years together. Rest in peace Darla.
Jackie Armstrong says
My heart goes out to you and yours. So sorry for your loss. Higs
BONNIE CURRAN says
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. i KNEW DARLA WHEN I WORKED AT THE VA (I WAS A STATE EMPLYOEE) OUR OFFICES WERE ARE ACROSS THE HALL. WE HAD MANY GOOD LAUGHS. IT SO NOT FAIR THAT SHE HAS GONE SO EARLY. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR YOU ALL.
Val Jones says
Amber
I’m so very sorry for your loss❤️ please know we are praying for peace and comfort for you during this difficult time
Ken and Pat Jones says
So sorry for your loss, Darla was a very special lady,had lots of fun riding during roundups at the Taylor Ranch, God Bless yous at this time.
Diana Elwood says
I am so sorry to hear this, my prayers are with the family, may God give you peace and comfort.
Diana Robinette says
Sending my thoughts and prayers to you Mike Angels will circle you and be with you during this time of grief. Remember the good times in the fun times you had together.
Shirley and Walter Rolf says
Mike, Jay and Amber, sorry for your loss. Remember all the good times. And with Darla there was plenty.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences
Renee Strand says
I am so saddened to hear this. Darla was a special lady working at the VA and also neighbor and friends to my parents and myself at Kinsey.
She has gone way too early. Thoughts and prayers for you all. Treasure the memories.
Heather Loomis says
So sorry to hear about Darla passing, she was a wonderful lady.
Judy Sprandel says
Our thoughts and prayers for all of your family . We are sad to hear this May Gods love surround you forever.
Judy and Ray Sprandel
James Arneson says
Sending my deepest condolences to your family. May God comfort you with the best of memories now and always. I am sorry for the loss of your wife, mother and friend. Darla was an amazing person
Bobbi Askin says
From the Class of 1974. All of Darla’s classmates send their condolences to Darla’s family. She was a part of us and always will be. Many blessings to all of you.
Tom Lillian Ostendorf says
Our sincere condolences to all the family. She was a wonderful person .
Louise de Montigny says
My condolences to all of Darla’s family.
Hallie Woods says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers, a lot of wonderful memories and good times, Darla will be missed.
Susan Kohn says
Mike, Jay, and Amber I’m so sorry to hear this news. You had a great wife and mother. Blessings to you all.
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Woods and May family. You are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult times ahead. Darla was an individual who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in her company. I’m so saddened to see Darla leave us. God Bless you in heaven. My thoughts and prayers to all of you as you go through this very difficult period of loss and mourning. May God, bring you comfort and fill you with peace
Paula & Mike Childers says
Mike, I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your wife. Sending heartfelt sympathy to you & the rest of her family & Prayers for all of you as you go through this most difficult time.
Ginger Huckins says
I’m sorry for the loss of Darla. May your memories of her fill your heart with joy.
Duck & Rayetta Fjell says
To Darla family; we are so sorry for your loss. Dick met Darla while worked at the VA hospital. Dick really enjoyed her visits with Darla when she came by the Lab. I remember Darla as a fun loving person. Our condolences to All.
Alan & Karan Charles says
Karan and I send our most heartfelt condolences, to Mike, Jay, Amber, and all of Darla’s family members and loved ones. We always admired the strong loving bond shared by Mike and Darla, and enjoyed hearing about their various adventures.
Donna Orthman says
I am sorry to hear of Darla’s untimely death. I send my condolences to all her family.
Della (Thomas) Jarrett says
This lady will always be a part of my childhood and teenage memories. The many sleepovers we had even after I moved to town from Kinsey always brought adventure. Darla was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and the days ahead. Rest in peace, Darla, you were a gem!
Rod & Sue Heitschmidt says
Sue and I are in total shock as we had no idea that Darla was ill. We extend our sympathy to Mike, Jay and Amber as well as Darla’s parents and siblings. She was a joy to be around always positive looking forward to a bright and happy future. She was the perfet daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister and friend and as such I can grin when I think of she and Mike always grining and laughing when we were together. A life lost to early but a life well lived.
Susan Stabelfeldt says
Mike
I was so sorry to hear of Darla’s passing. I really enjoyed the times we got to visit.
Hugs.
Ken n Karen Strobel says
We are shocked to here this news. What a wonderful person she was. Thoughts to you Mike, Jay, Amber, and prayers to you and all of Darla’s family.
Linda and RIchard Meidinger says
Could not believe when I read Darla had passed. I remember working with her at the VA years ago. She was so much fun to work with. She was such an outdoor active person it is just hard to believe she is gone. Prayers and hugs go out to the family. We moved from KInsey about 25 years ago. May she rest in peace.
Tom and Patry Mott says
Dear Woods family
Words can not express how shocked I was to read this obituary. I cant imagine the pain you must feel,Amber and Jay, loosing your mother.
So, so sorry about your loss. In time, hopefully, the pain will subside and only good memories remain.
Shannon & Bryan says
Darla was such a bright spot. Always enjoyed our visits at the grocery stores. I will miss her also. Here’s to wonderful memories.
Lynn erlenbusch ziebarth says
So sorry to hear this, she was a neighbor and spent some time together. Just a Great person. rest in peace.
Floyd & Myra Gabel says
So very sorry to hear of Darla’s passing.We know we all have to go at some point, but sad when it happens to people we know. Rest in peace, Darla.
Jerry and Sue Backlund says
We are so sorry to hear of Darla’s passing. Our prayers and condolences are with your entire family.
Sheila Hagemeister says
Sending you healing thoughts and wishing you strength during this sad time. Darla was always fun to visit with! So sorry for your loss, cherish your memories.
Michael and Betty MacNeil says
Mike, I’m saddened to hear of Darla’s passing. It came much too soon. Hopefully you can find solace in the good times that you shared. May she rest in peace knowing she left the world a better place.
Arcie & Bonnie LaRoque says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for you and family.
Lynn Holland says
To Darla’s and Mike’s Families,
Sorry to read read this. Another great person gone to soon.
Thoughts and prayers to everybody.
Lynn Holland
Lance & Chris Gierke says
Mike & family, so sorry to hear of Darla’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
God bless!
DeDe Sprandel says
Dear Uncle Mike, Jay and Kaci, Amber and Zane, Mom and Terry, Aunt Barb, and Family;
We know Heaven has gained a soulful, great, smart, beautiful, kind and funny lady! She had a great laugh and I remember hearing it with all of you during our holiday games! We will miss it so much! We are so sorry for your incredible loss. We feel your pain and we know how much she loved her family and friends dearly! You are in our thoughts and prayers always! I have so many great memories of Aunt Darla that I will treasure forever. They go way back to fun family holidays, her great divinity and sugar cookies, family weddings and births, surprise birthday parties , picnics, reunions, BHS and horse races and too many memories to mention. She was always so helpful to me and everyone she knew too! I know my birthday will be forever changed now. I feel so honored though, that I was able to share it with her and Grandma Taylor. Now she gets to celebrate with Grandma Taylor and James and Grandma and Grandpa, Laramie, and all of our loved ones in Heaven! Darla loved you all so much! She was not just my aunt, she was my forever friend and role model! We will all miss her so much! May the good Lord bring comfort and Peace to all! Rest in Peace Aunt Darla! Love you, DeDe Sprandel Lemon Stieber and Kids and Family 🙏💔⛪️
Paul and Jean Loyning says
Mike, Jay and Amber, we just want you all to know what a pleasure it was getting to know Darla. Her kindness and happy nature always made us smile. You all took our son into your home and made him part of the family, for this we are forever grateful. Hugs to you all! Paul and Jean Loyning
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Mike, Jay & Kaci, Amber & Zane and your families,
Love and prayers to all of you during this heartbreaking time. Darla was such a sweet and kind soul.
Treasure all your special memories or a very special lady❣️
Rick and Bev Harris says
Mike and family, there are no words to express my feelings you have our deepest sympathy. Very sorry about Darla. She will be missed specially to come mine you out of the Bison.