WAPELLO, Iowa -- Vera Helen Darby, 95, Wapello, died Friday, June 18, 2004, at the Wapello Nursing & Rehab Center, Wapello.

Services are at the Dudgeon-McCulley Funeral Home, Wapello. The Rev. Chris Thomas will officiate. Cremation will follow and burial will be at a later date at the Wapello Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established to benefit the Wapello Rescue Unit.

Mrs. Darby was born May 31, 1909, in Lost Springs, Kan., the daughter of Austin and Bessie Viola Danielson Jarvis. She married Willard Vernon Derby June 25, 1929, in Burlington. He preceded her in death Jan. 13, 2004.

She graduated from Yarmouth High School.

She worked as a bookkeeper for the Rugarber Hardware, later the Patrick's Homecrest, and Patrick's True Value in Wapello.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Wapello, and a former member of the Rebekah Lodge. She had enjoyed league bowling.

Survivors include a son, Kenneth V. Darby of Wapello; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Lulu Hartsock of Wapello; nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a stepfather, Wilbur; her husband; a brother, John 'Bud'; and a sister, Mary.