Janet Darnold Obituary

Mrs. Janet L. Darnold, 82, Ashland, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Boone Hospital. She was born June 5, 1943 in Granite City, Illinois a daughter of the late Vincent and Edna (Ridenhour) Richter. On June 22, 1989 she was united in marriage to Ivan L. Darnold who preceded her in death on January 3, 2017. Her family was blessed to have someone who singularly personified a “village”. She possessed a special ability to individually cater to the unique personalities, needs, and interests of all of her loved ones. This ability allowed her to engage in bespoke familial relationships wherein she served every village role by herself. She possessed an endless appetite for spoiling and loving her family members. She curated individualized snack menus for each of her grandchildren, who found comfort in the knowledge that their favorite treats would always be in stock. She went to great lengths to ensure the happiness of her family. From waiting in long lines in the wee hours of the morning on Black Friday to bending traffic laws to guarantee that she never missed her grandchildrens’ sporting events. She also extended this selflessness to her many friends and dogs. Family get-togethers and holiday parties delighted her. She loved to play cards and board games with her family, always bringing forth a fiery and competitive spirit. With the arrival of her great-grandchildren, her favorite pastime quickly became playing with them on the swingset. She will be remembered most fondly as the selfless, endlessly compassionate, golden hearted matriarch of a beautiful, loving family, who will forever cherish her memory and her little smokies. She is survived by three daughters: Cindy (John) Gillam of Ashland, Brenda Imhoff of Ashland, Linda (Thomas) Valvo of St. Louis; two stepchildren: Amy (Harvey) Kempker of Taos, Jeff (Becca) Darnold of St. Petersburg, FL.; grandchildren: Thomas Valvo Jr., Christian Valvo, Lindsey (Austin) Thomas, Nicholas (Jordyn) Gillam, Hailey (Shelby) Nichols, Conner (Erika) Imhoff, Zayla Dearixon, Tyler Rice, Jacob Kempker, Amalia Darnold, Griffin Darnold; great-grandchildren: Raleigh, Rhys, Emmett, Ettie, Beau, Lyla, River; sister: Ada Roberts. In addition to her husband: Ivan; parents: Vincent and Edna; brother: Kenneth; she is preceded in death by a daughter: Melissa Dearixon and stepson: Ronnie Darnold. Interment will be private for the family Friday, June 13, 2025. A public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. Arrangements for Mrs. Darnold are under the direction of TYLER M. WOODS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 611 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. (573) 636-2424.