Gragert, Darla Diane (Galloway) 1961 - 2026

GRAGERT, GALLOWAY, MYLI, ROLLINS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 2/27/2026 at 12:52:13

Darla D. Gragert, age 64, of Chester, Iowa, died on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Chester Community Center with Pastor Jeff Jacobs. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Chester Hill Cemetery.

Darla Diane Galloway was born October 29, 1961, in Riceville, Iowa, daughter of James A. and Georgann K. (Myli) Galloway. Growing up Darla was a “tomboy” who preferred being outdoors riding dirtbikes rather than inside playing with dolls. She loved helping her father on the farm tending to the animals and with field work. Darla liked riding her motorcycle and driving her Ford Mach 1 down the open road.

On November 7, 1981, Darla was united in marriage to Gordon “Gordy” Gragert. To this union their son James was born. James was one of her greatest joys in her life, she loved being his Momma Bear. Darla was always there to support James in his life decisions, and enjoyed helping him on the farm. For several years Darla worked for a dairy farm in the Chester area. The past 20 years Darla was a welcoming face at Laddy’s Bar and Grill. She enjoyed visiting with people who were passing through Chester, and catching up with everyone from the community. Darla was active in the tractor pulling circuit helping to MC the pulls, she enjoyed playing cards with her friends, and was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan.

Darla’s family became complete with the addition of her beautiful daughter-in-law Hallie and her three granddaughters Khloe, Kaiya, and Kora. Darla never missed her granddaughter’s events and activities. She enjoyed watching Khloe show her calf at the Mighty Howard County Fair. The three girls looked forward to being kidnapped by Grandma Darla for a day of Gator rides to help clean up fields and with chores. Darla loved being called Grandma by her three granddaughters; they were her entire world.

Darla is survived by her son James (Hallie) Gragert of Cresco, IA; three granddaughters Khloe, Kaiya, and Kora Gragert; mother Georgann Galloway of Cresco, IA; sister Sandra (Greg) Rollins of Lake City, MN; nephew James (Anna) Rollins of Chanhassen, MN, and their children Ellie, Jace, and Olivia; her Gragert in-laws; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and all her friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gordy, father James, nephew Zane Rollins, and father and mother-in-law Gerald and Marian Gragert.

Source: Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home database

Chester Hill Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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