Deana Mitsy M. Darr

Deana Misette Darr, "Mitsy" 55, of Tucson, Arizona passed away on Tuesday morning, October 16, 2012 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mitsy was born on May 13, 1957 in Liberal, Kansas to Robert D. White and Cosette White Abbott. Mitsy grew up in Liberal, Kansas and graduated from Liberal High School where she was a cheerleader. She was also very well known for her singing, song writing and instrumental ability. She attended Kansas State University and majored in music. She was active in her church and performed at many events. She married Terry R. Darr in 1977 and continued to actively pursue her passion of music. She performed with many well known country bands and artists. Mitsy and Terry had three daughters, and Mitsy shifted her focus to them while they were young. She taught Sunday school for special needs children and helped care for her brother with special needs. She was also a successful business woman. She opened and co-owned a successful modeling and talent promotion company. She teamed up with her husband and his Construction Business to do interior, architectural and home design. Together they built many beautiful custom homes throughout the Tucson foothills. Mitsy had many dreams and she was never afraid to pursue them. She was successful at everything she did.

Mitsy had three daughters and four grandchildren. She spent time with them daily. Our family is very close and thankfully we live just minutes from each other. She was very involved with her grandchildren, and had very close relationships with each of them. Mitsy was never afraid of her breast cancer, or of dying. She was much more afraid of not living. She was adamant about taking the last bit of her life and making the most of it. I can remember her saying on so many occasions that she didn't want to look sick or feel sick. She also didn't want anyone to feel sorry for her. What she really wanted, was to spend time with her family and make memories doing the things that she loved. She fought her cancer in a way that was so hard, and took so much bravery. I don't know if many people could do it. The last year of her life she paid close attention to her health, and tried many treatments. She felt better than she ever had, and looked amazing. Many people did not even know she was sick. During her last year she traveled and spent time with her family. It went just how she wanted. We know that she left with no regrets, except for that wish of more time for her daughters and grandchildren's sake. Mitsy knew where she was going because she knew God's promise. She kept that faith through her darkest hours, never faltering. She kept those around her faithful and positive up until the end. We are all so thankful that we were blessed with her.

John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Mitsy is survived by her husband, Terry R. Darr; her daughter, Tera Frank and husband, Nicholas; daughter, Tiffini Sheldon and husband, Robert and daughter, Talhia Darr; grandchildren, Lucas Frank, Presley Frank, Vivianne Sheldon and Arlo Sheldon; parents, Robert D. White and Cosette White Abbott; siblings, Mike White and family, Tricia McKee and family and Kali Smith and family. Mitsy is predeceased by her little brother, David Bradley White and little sister, Barbara Jean White as well as maternal and paternal grandparents.

Viewing will be on Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85712. Service will be on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at The Journey, 4700 N. Swan Rd., Tucson, AZ 85718. Services will also be held in Liberal, Kansas on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Central Christian Church, 500 N. Lincoln Ave., Liberal, KS 67901. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Home for Health at www.homeforhealth.net/testimonials