Darla Kaye Gilman, age 63, of Watertown, SD, passed away after a lengthy hospital stay at Prairie Lakes Hospital at her daughter and son-in-laws home in Colorado Springs on January 20th. Her son, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren were with her and by her side.

She was born to the late Thomas Relf and Bonnie (Klinetobe) Relf, December 12, 1959 in Rapid City, SD. She married Darrell Gilman, Jr in 1977 and moved to the Oacoma/Chamberlain area until their parting of ways. She then moved to Watertown, SD in 1995.

Darla is survived by; her lovely mother, Bonnie Relf, of Watertown, her beloved Aunt Shirley Relf, of Rapid City, SD, her brother, Dr. Michael Relf and Shawn McKenna of Raleigh, NC, her daughter, Dacia (Randy) Brudwick of Colorado Springs, CO, her son, Dustin Gilman, Watertown, SD. Grandchildren Avery and Alexis Oaks of Colorado Springs, CO. Her step-grandchildren; Kaedence, Damon, Rylan and Brielle Brudwick. Sister-in-law, Teri Knipsel of Rapid City, SD. Nephews, Thomas (Shannon) Relf and Nick Relf of Rapid City, SD. Great-nephews, Xander and Gage Relf. Special loved ones, Clyde and Karen Gilman. She leaves behind numerous aunts, cousins, friends and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Relf. Her dear brother, David Relf, paternal grandparents, Edward and Elsie Relf, and maternal grandparents Dick and Della Klinetobe.

Darla was a creative soul who enjoyed her crafts, numerous projects, and was gifted with a multitude of abilities to create art and meaningful mementos for her loved ones. She loved to bake cakes and she blessed those around her with them often. Her grandchildren especially looked forward to their "special request" cakes on their birthday. Only she was able to make the perfect rhubarb crunch on her daughters birthday every year.

She held many fond memories of her childhood and growing up in Rapid City, SD. She would recall many stories of mischievous and enjoyable times. She especially enjoyed the time spent with her brothers, cousins and numerous childhood friends. Darla enjoyed messaging and visiting with them often.

Darla had endured decades of health obstacles. Yet, despite the difficulties, she remained generous, optimistic and cheerful to those around her. Her son, Dustin, was at her bedside with unwavering support during her final stay at the hospital.

The above perfectly ascribes her personality-loving, selfless, courageous and in her final days accepting and peaceful. Her faith was powerful and unwavering. It served her during her life and lastly, in her passing.

"I even looked out the window this time", Darla excitedly speaking of overcoming her final fear of flying to be with her family.

A Celebration of Life will be announced and planned for late spring in Watertown, SD.

Her daughter requests that in lieu of flowers or cards; a donation be made to one of the following in her mother's memory-

Patient Safety Movement Foundation psmf.org

The Leapfrog Group "Giant Leaps for Patient Safety" leapfrog.org

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