Darla Kay Dawson, 68, of Wasilla, Alaska, passed away at her home on July 13, 2026.

Darla was born on August 23, 1957, in Spokane, Washington, to Lawrence and Sharon Derry. She grew up in St. Maries, Idaho, where she graduated with the Class of 1975. She married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Ron Dawson, on August 21, 1976, at the Foursquare Gospel Church in St. Maries, beginning a marriage built on love, devotion, and family.

The couple first made their home in St. Maries, where Darla worked at First Security Bank. In 1980 they moved to Klawock, Alaska, on Prince of Wales Island. There, Darla continued her banking career with B.M. Behrends Bank, working her way from teller to bank manager through her dedication and hard work. After several successful years in banking, she spent three years keeping the books for her father's business, Lawrence Derry Trucking.

In 1993 the family moved to Haines, Alaska, then to Homer in 1994, before finally settling in Wasilla in 2004.

While Darla enjoyed a successful career, the role she cherished most was that of wife, homemaker, and especially mother. Nothing brought her greater happiness than caring for her family. Her world revolved around her daughter, Amberlee, whom she loved with every ounce of her heart. She was the kind of mother every child hopes to have—steadfast, protective, encouraging, and endlessly loving. She made sure there was always a warm meal waiting, a comforting home to return to, and someone cheering the loudest from the sidelines. Her love was unconditional, and being Amberlee's mom was the greatest joy and proudest accomplishment of her life.

Family traditions meant everything to Darla. Holidays were magical because of the love and care she poured into every detail, from choosing the perfect gifts to wrapping each package with special thought. She had a gift for making ordinary days feel special and special days unforgettable.

Darla was an avid reader whose favorite author was Stephen King, and she could often be found with a good book in hand. She had a lifelong love for animals, especially cats, and she and Ron faithfully supported animal rescue organizations, including the ASPCA. In her younger years she loved swimming, water skiing, boating, and spending time on the water. She was also a gifted trumpet player and, as a young woman, had the honor of playing "Taps" at several funerals, and served in the high school Color Guard squad. She enjoyed snowcat adventures and treasured the countless memories, laughter, and harmless shenanigans shared with her cousins—especially her favorite cousin, Lou.

Above all else, Darla will be remembered for the extraordinary love she gave so freely. She was the heart of her family, a devoted wife, a fiercely protective mama bear, and a woman whose kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Though she is deeply missed, the love she gave will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Darla is survived by her daughter Amberlee Dawson of Eugene, OR; brother Ron “Mouse” Derry of St. Maries, ID; mother in-law Marcy Dawson of St. Maries, ID; brother in-law Gary (Julie) Dawson of Seattle, WA. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Ron Dawson; her parents Lawrence and Sharon Derry; brother Gary “Tyke” Derry; and father in-law George “Corkey” Dawson.

Darla was laid to rest beside her beloved Ron at Woodlawn Cemetery in a private family burial.