Oneta F. Darby

Oneta F. Darby, born January 26, 1921, the beloved daughter of Lois Belle and A. Richard Flanagan, and eldest sister to Ann, Margie, Eugene, and Billy. Oneta died peacefully and much loved on January 7, 2007 in her daughter’s home in Dallas, TX. As a small girl, her nickname was “Skeeter,” and she grew up in Huntsville, TX. Oneta received her B.A. from Sam Houston State Teacher’s College in 1942, and on July 5, 1944 she married the love of her life, Vernon Darby. Their marriage spanned 54 years. The lights of their life together were their son, Ricky and daughter, Debra. They raised their family in El Paso, TX, where from 1959 to 1986 Oneta counseled and corralled hundreds of Irvin High School students with wisdom, wit, and love. She gladly served God at Northgate Christian Church for 40 plus years, and her driving philosophy was to do no less than help others live life to the fullest. The quality she valued most in anyone was authenticity, and her unwavering advice to all was, “Just be yourself.” Oneta was preceded in death by her son, Ricky and husband, Vernon. She is survived by her daughter, Debra; brother, Billy; adored grandsons, Ryan and Maclain Looper; two nieces; nine nephews; and her many students. Oneta had a powerful impact on countless lives, and she will be long remembered and missed. Visitation will be held from 5-9 pm Monday, January 15, 2007 with a Funeral Service to be held at 10 am, Tuesday, January 16, 2007, both at Sunset Funeral Home, 4631 Hondo Pass in El Paso. Interment to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Northgate Christian Church, El Paso, TX. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast. Please visit on-line register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.