On March 28th, 2026, in Custer, SD, Darla Jean Wilaby [Bolte] was relieved of her struggle with dementia. She was born to Frank and Ona Bolte in Brookings, SD on Nov. 19, 1951. Darla, youngest of 6, loved reading from a young age, a love that continued her whole life. She had an original poem published at age 12 and even read encyclopedias out loud to her only child, Allen, while he was in her womb. Darla graduated high school in Elkton, SD. She enjoyed playing music, a family trait from her older sisters. She spent many hours in her living room playing her electric steel guitar and singing folk songs and a little CCR.

Darla married Loren Wilaby, 2nd youngest of 8, on Sept. 25th, 1971. They spent many nights dancing the night away. With Loren in the United States Air Force, they were able to live in exotic locations like Fortuna, ND and Genoa, NE. On Jan. 12th, 1977, their only son, Allen, was born. They settled down in Aurora, SD. Loren and later Darla and Allen worked to support the family electrical contracting business. Darla also worked for Larson Mfg., making storm doors in Brookings, until a lower spine injury forced early retirement. In the early 1990s, Loren and Darla moved to Hot Springs, SD, where they continued their electrical business.

Darla was always ready to play cards even in her final months. Her generosity would rarely deny any request. Like her father she would always feed any stray cat. She was well liked by all who met her. She joins her mother and father, sisters (Mae, Virginia Thompson, and Eva Williams), grand-daughter (Elizabeth Wilaby), and 3 nieces and will be missed by her husband, son, daughter-in-law (Cristina Wilaby [Bergen]), grandson (Ashton), siblings (Larry Bolte, Marles Berthelsen, and Gloria Petersen), and all who knew her.

Memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2026, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD. Committal service will follow at 1:30 p.m., at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD. Luncheon will be held 4:00 p.m., at the American Legion in Hot Springs.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.