Darla Rose "Blackbird" Shaffer

Darla Rose “Blackbird” Shaffer, of Terre Haute, a remarkable and devoted servant of the Lord was released home to Jesus on the evening of Sunday, May 27, 2012 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 55.

Darla was born on November 10, 1956 in Terre Haute, the daughter of Kenneth Richardson, Harold Archer and the former Shirley Lee Wilson.

She went on to marry her husband, Forrest Lee Shaffer, who preceded her in death on December 31, 1996.

Darla was a woman who touched nearly every life she came in contact with. In nearly thirty years, Darla comforted and guided over 2,000 foster children down the road of life. She loved her family and thought of every child as her own. Darla was a very spiritual woman and was known by many to be very forgiving, caring and loving. Her determination and will led her to overcome cancer several times during her 55 years here on earth. Darla was a very hospitable woman, and an excellent cook. Among her many recipes, some favorites were her turkey dumplings, pigs in the blanket and banana pudding. In Darla’s free time, she could be found frequenting garage sales or the G.W. Boutique. Her remarkable spirit and tender natured soul will live on in the hearts of those she touched for several generations to come.

In addition to her mother, Darla leaves to cherish her memory her son, Donald and wife Darlena Snavely and Timothy Shaffer. sisters, Linda and husband Fred Knight, Linnie, Carla, Marla, Helen, Maxine, Hester, Debbie and her brother, Hobie along with several family members and friends.

In addition to her husband Forrest Lee Shaffer, Darla was welcomed home to heaven by her two fathers, Kenneth Richardson and Harold Archer, along with her child, Billy Jo Gilbert and several other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 1, 2012 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. when a prayer circle will take place, followed by Darla’s Celebration of Life Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. at the Roselawn Funeral Home in Terre Haute. Brother Randy Kline will officiate with a procession to follow by Darla’s home. Interment will then follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Casual attire is requested. Memorial contributions in memory of Darla may be directed to the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net.