Darla Jean Nutter

Darla Jean was born in Moorhead, Minnesota (across the river from the family home in Fargo, North Dakota) on May 3, 1951 to Joan Colette and Jack Howard Knutson, Senior. The oldest of six children, she often took on the role of second mom, trying to boss her little brothers and favorite sister around. Living in North Dakota is not for the faint of heart (the winters last about 11 months long) and as such, combined with her Norwegian (we always say Viking!) heritage, Darla learned to be tough and independent.

Darla met the love of her life, Roger, on a blind date, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Roger was a fresh-faced young Sergeant in the Air Force and Darla was a senior at Red River High School. The only problem with this blind date was that they were with the other person! They quickly got that sorted and excited to start their new lives together, married on September 27, 1969.

They left North Dakota in 1970 and made homes in West Virginia, Florida, North Dakota (again), and Minnesota, before finally settling down in Pennsylvania in 1980. Eventually this small-town girl would travel the United States and see many countries around the world, never failing to recognize the beauty in the people and the places around her. She did her best to live one of her favorite quotes, “wherever you go, bring your own sunshine.” Whenever she traveled, she loved reporting back how many steps she had taken, reveling in the ability to walk around cities and explore the sights.

Children meant the world to Darla and she felt blessed to have both a daughter, Shannon, and after many years of trying, a son, Cameron. When grandchildren came along, she couldn’t have been happier. Being Grandma to Ryan, Alex, Jasper, and Cruz was one of the greatest joys in her life. As a friend stated recently, “Darla was so proud of her kids and grandkids. She told us so many stories about each of their accomplishments, no matter how big or small.”

Darla was a career woman before that was cool, and took great pride in her work. While she had several different jobs through the years (including surviving over 20 years working with Roger!), Darla found her calling in helping to lead Home of the Sparrow, whose mission is ending homelessness for women and children in Chester County. During her 24 years there she helped raise millions of dollars, supported countless women, and pulled her family into all of it – whether modeling at fashion shows, setting up events, or running races. Her passion for ensuring women in need found safe and secure housing drove her hard work. She was a behind-the-scenes force, making things happen, and always thinking about how the organization could do even more.

In addition to being a mom and a grandma, Darla was a good friend. She kept in touch with people far and wide through her annual Christmas letter, filled with the good and bad of life, and recent photos. And she had a wonderful group of local friends who shared dinners and glasses of wine, book recommendations, and who were there for each other in times of hardship and joy.

In 2023, Roger and Darla moved to California to be close to Cameron and Meredith and their little boys Jasper and Cruz. Darla loved the warm weather, visits to the beach, and the vineyards. Just this past May, she enjoyed a beautiful Mother’s Day at a winery with Shannon, Cameron and Meredith. What a gift that was for all of us.

Darla was preceded in death by her parents, and two of her brothers, Bobby and Denny. She is survived by her beloved husband Roger, her daughter Shannon (Bill), her son Cameron (Meredith), her grandchildren Ryan, Alex, Jasper, and Cruz, as well as her brother Jack (Cheryl), her sister Kathy (Ken), her brother Greg (Roy), her step-sisters Kathy (Jim) and Rhonda, and her many nieces and nephews.

Darla was loved greatly by her family, her friends, friends of her children and grandchildren whom she welcomed with open arms, and so many in the communities where she lived who were touched by her warmth and kindness. May Darla’s name and memory be a blessing for all who loved her.

A private family service will be held on November 1st in San Jose, California. A public memorial service will be held on December 3rd in Malvern, Pennsylvania. And a celebration of life is being planned for Summer 2025 at Lake Metigoshe, North Dakota. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Darla’s memory to Home of the Sparrow or THON Four Diamonds.

See donation links below:

https://www.homeofthesparrow.org/donations/

https://www.fourdiamonds.org/thon/