Erie Times-News, Erie, PA
December 13, 2008
Anna Martha Emily Schumann Darling, age 97, peacefully passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2008. Anna was born September 2, 1911 and raised in Loup City, Neb. After graduating from Hastings College in Neb., she taught elementary school and also worked for the Presbyterian Church-USA, traveling in several Midwest states to introduce Sunday school curriculum to church staff and members. On June 1, 1950, Anna married Alan Darling, becoming a Presbyterian minister's wife and mother of three stepchildren. While raising a family of five children, she taught school and was very involved with Alan's churches in Illinois, Oklahoma, Church of the Covenant in Erie, PA and later with the Girard Presbyterian Church in Girard, PA. Anna enjoyed singing as a soloist and choir member and was an active garden club member. She and her husband enjoyed raising flowers and vegetables wherever they lived (Ill, Okla, Pa., Tenn. ) and sharing their abundant harvests with friends. Alan and Anna officially retired in 1993 and moved to Knoxville, Tenn. where they lived at Buckingham/Shannondale Retirement Community and were active community members, members of Sequoyah Presbyterian Church, and for many years enjoyed watching grandson Jonathan play baseball. She was preceded in death (to eternal life) by her husband, Alan B. Darling (1911-2002); her parents, Frieda Lange Schumann and Carl William Schumann; two sisters: Mina Schumann and Gesiena S. Rector; her brother: Henry Schumann; her cousin: Goldie Roy; her stepdaughter, Margaret J. Darling; and her stepson, Charles W. Darling. Anna Darling is survived by her step-daughter, Mary E. Darling of St. Paul, MN; daughter, Ruth A. Darling (Michael Capps) of Knoxville, TN; her son, William A. Darling (Chris Ozbun) of Wynnewood, PA; four grandchildren: John Darling (Mary), Jeffrey Darling (Micki), Jonathan Capps (Lindsay) and Cameron Grace Darling; three great-grandchildren: Jayden, Tyler, and Gavin; and several nieces and nephews. She will be forever loved and greatly missed by her family and friends. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service today at 3PM at the First Presbyterian Church 260 Main St. East Girard. Rev. Keith Gallagher, Pastor of the church will be officiating. Interment will be in the Girard Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, Main St., Girard PA 16417 or to the Pastoral Care Fund at Shannondale Retirement Center, 801 Vanosdale Rd., Knoxville, TN 37909 Local funeral arrangements are under the direction of Daniel R. Edder Funeral Home, Girard.
