Darla Dean Wulf Francisco Waterman

Darla's wonderful life began on October 9, 1935 in Newport, Minnesota, she was born into the Wulf family as the 8th child to Milo and Nelli. Darla's grandfather was an exceptional carpenter and alongside Darla's father Milo, they built their two-story family farm home on 4 acres. Darla and her 12 siblings loved working and living on the farm, with many wonderful childhood memories like gathering eggs from the chickens, picking fruit and vegetables to be canned, and caring for their younger siblings, it was always an adventure. As a young child, Darla found enjoyment using her father Milo's saw horse as a teeter totter, playing jacks and as she got older, took up sports playing softball. A few of Darla's favorite memories were family picnics to a nearby hill overlooking the Mississippi River and putting flags on the brave soldiers' graves in the local cemetery to celebrate the lives lost for our country, she always had a huge heart for service members. At age 13, the Wulf family relocated to Upland, California and for the first time the family would have indoor plumbing and many new amenities. A two bedroom, one bath home for a family of 10 was quite cozy, but they made it work and filled it with love.

At the young age of 19, Darla met a tall, handsome man named Jerry Francisco. Jerry quickly fell in love with Darla and asked for her hand after their second date, just like the proposal, marriage and babies also quickly followed. Life for the Francisco's became full as Bruce, Dawn and Debbie entered the world all within a few years. The late arrival of their fourth child came unexpectedly 8 years later and their daughter Wendy was born on Darla's 32nd birthday, now the family was complete. Darla's love language was cooking, as her warm meals were always made with love for everyone around to enjoy, she filled their home with comfort in love, comfort in faith and comfort in food. While Jerry was protecting his family and community as a Sheriff's Officer, Darla worked as a cashier and life in the Francisco family fell into a rhythm.

They worked hard and taught their children core values such as, believing in a loving God, family was extremely important and anything was possible if you worked hard for it. Life was great in the Francisco home including many RV trips around the states. Jerry and Darla joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1958, and together as a family were sealed in the Los Angles Temple in 1975. One of the greatest joys of Darla's life was singing in the church choir and doing daily Temple work that carried on into her later years. As a loyal servant of God, she volunteered as Primary Teacher, Youth leader, worked at the Church Employment Center and spent countless hours at the Name Extraction Center. The Francisco family relocated to Utah in 1978, a state that reminded Darla of her home in Minnesota, beautiful blue skies and all four seasons. She worked several years for IHC Hospital and retired in 1997. Jerry passed away in 2001 from lung cancer shortly after they celebrated 45years of marriage and their love and memories remained with Darla for her remaining years.

In 2002, Darla was introduced by a mutual friend to Gordon Waterman, a fisherman with an adventurous outlook on life.They shared numerous interests such as traveling and their common love for the LDS community. Darla and Gordon had a summer long phone romance and in October, Darla and her two daughters Dawn and Debbie went on a cruise to Alaska where Darla was greeted by Gordon with two dozen roses and a sign that read "Will you Marry me." Off on a new adventure, Gordon and Darla summered in Alaska, salmon fishing, clam digging and spent the winter in St George living out their lives together. They had 8 wonderful years before Gordon's passing.

Darla's most cherished relationships were those of her Grandchildren, Nathan, Corey, Korin, Alyssa, and Kyla. She loved spending any time she could with her grandchildren and made so many wonderful memories with them. Amongst all the memories some her favorites were getting to spend her recent months with her new great granddaughter, Alora, she brought a giant light into Darla's life.Darla battled cancer in her later years, beating it and coming out stronger as she continued to live her life to the fullest. Darla and her daughter Debbie became travel partners and visited the Fall colors on the East Coast, cruised to Hawaii and the Western Caribbean and took a girl's trip with extended family to Yellowstone.

In December of 2023 she made the decision to live out the remainder of her life in comfort and chose to go on Hospice Care. She lived her life with grace and dignity and loved well. She had many last moments with her family and grandchildren, and was surrounded in love.

We want to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dixie Hospice and the wonderful care they gave and the love they showed to our mother in her remaining months.

Darla touched many lives and will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her love for God, family and country and her amazing smile. She is survived by: Daughter Dawn Turner and husband Barney along with Dawn's children Nathan (Michelle), Corey (Zinmar) and great granddaughter Alora, daughters Debbie Francisco, Wendy Coles (David) with their children Alyssa and Kyla, and her late son Bruce's daughter Korin ( Anthony). Her brother David Wulf, the last remaining sibling.

Livestream can be viewed on the link below.

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