Darla A. Walton

Darla Ann Walton, 83, of Westminster, Maryland, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at her daughter’s home. Born on July 30, 1941, in Newark, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Alva B. Walton and Evelyn H. Walton nee Thompson.

Darla was a 1959 graduate from Huntingdon High School in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania before continuing her education at the Harrisburg Polyclinic Hospital School of Nursing. She graduated in 1962 with a Nursing degree and practiced as Registered Nurse thereafter. She was employed with Manor Care of Wheaton, Maryland in an administrative role helping to organize and consolidate their records. She also worked for Carroll Lutheran Village as the director of nurses during the construction of the nursing home, working from a temporary office in a small house within the village. Taking time to raise her family she then returned to work in 1982, where she began her employment as a psychiatric nurse at the Springfield Hospital Center. She and her coworker were pivotal in creating the Springfield Museum. The grand opening ceremony was arranged to fall on the bicentennial anniversary of the opening of Springfield Hospital. The museum had many artifacts that represented all aspects and departments within the hospital. She proudly served her community until her retirement in 2003.

Darla is survived by her son, Scott W. Patterson and wife, Galena Zabelina of Sterling, Virginia; her daughter, Hope C. Johnson of Bulls Gap, Tennessee; and her daughter, Wendy W. Valonis and fiancé, Calvin Sullivan of Westminster, Maryland. Also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Justin Patterson (Laurel Patterson); Amanda Steele (Matthew Steele); Jesse Schwartzbeck; Shannon Johnson; Melinda Shilling; David Kidd (Ashley); Kimberleigh Metzler (Daren Metzler); and Sarah Valonis. Also survived by her great grandchildren: Blake Evan, Corbin Kenneth, Khloie Olivia, Clara Germaine, Declane Zane, and Callie. Also survived by numerous step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, respective spouses, and friends.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Wantz, great-granddaughter, Lily Ann, son-in-law, Loran Johnson, and grandson-in-law, Kenneth Shilling, as well as her cherished uncle Clarence Gamerdinger and aunt Wanda L. Gamerdinger nee Thompson.

The family will receive friends, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 91 Willis Street, Westminster (21157). Interment will be private. Online condolences may be offered at www.myersdurborawfh.com.