Darla Leona Elpers, 65, of Carmi passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Carmi. She was born on August 17, 1960, in Galesburg, IL the daughter of James Courson and Wanda (Dill) Yates. Darla married Robert Edwin Elpers on June 10, 2006, and they shared over 20 years of marriage together. She worked as a phlebotomist for Deaconess Midtown for 5 years. Darla’s hobbies included watching Fever basketball, reading, playing cards, spending time with family, going to the mountains, especially the Smoky Mountains because she loved seeing the bears. Darla also enjoyed collecting roosters, and she loved animals.
Darla is survived by her husband, Ed Elpers; children, Jennifer (Jason)Cross; step-children, Curt (Laura) Elpers, Melanie (Billy) Alexander, Brandi (Brad) Rasche, and Tony (Amy) Elpers; grandchildren, Marie (Justin Brock) Raney, Matthew (Josie Harrison) Raney, Codi (Kendra Barnes) Cross, Beau Rasche, Brooke Rasche, Ben Rasche, Bryce Rasche, Hailey Elpers, Connor Elpers, Jacob Elpers, Nathan Elpers, Daniel Elpers, Andrew Elpers, Hailey Harris, Levi Harris, Nora Harris, Archer Harris, Amelia Alexander, Stella Alexander, and Louis Alexander; great-grandchild, Oaklen Brock, Daxon Cross, and Alice Barnes; siblings, Jim (Joyce) Courson and Pam Sutton; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved dogs, Teeko and Miley. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Courson, Wanda Yates, and stepfather, Adam Yates.
Funeral Services for Darla Leona Elpers, 65, of Carmi will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial will be in Melrose Cemetery in Carmi. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi is assisting the family with the arrangements.
