Ruby Katherine “Kathy” Cherry Darnell, a devoted Christian and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 25, 2026. She was born on May 9, 1931, in Porterville, Mississippi, to Harvey and Ruby Cherry.

Funeral services celebrating Kathy’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 1, 2026, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, 2308 Sterlington Road, Monroe, Louisiana, with Rev. Warren Eckhardt officiating. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. and continue until the time of service. A graveside service will be held Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Kathy grew up in rural Kemper County, Mississippi, as the only girl among five brothers. She learned to play almost every kind of ball, except football, which she thought was a little too rough! Some of her happiest childhood memories were playing in the woods and swimming in the creek with her brothers and cousins.

After graduating from East Mississippi Junior College, Kathy moved to Meridian, Mississippi, to begin working as a legal secretary. In 1953, a blind date brought her together with Chic Darnell, the love of her life. They married later that year, welcomed two daughters, and made their home in Monroe, Louisiana. Their marriage was a loving partnership that lasted 58 years.

Kathy’s faith was the foundation of her life. She delighted in serving the Lord by teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, working with the Women’s Ministry, and singing in the church choir. She served at Lakeshore Baptist Church in her early years in Monroe and later became a longtime member of North Monroe Baptist Church. Her faith was reflected in the way she lived and cared for others.

Above all, Kathy treasured her family. Being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother brought her immeasurable joy. Her smile, laughter, strong faith, and unconditional love created memories her family will cherish forever.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, James Harvey Cherry and Ruby Preston Peel Cherry; her loving husband, James Edward “Chic” Darnell; and her brothers, Ellis Cherry, Richard Cherry, Cecil Cherry, Edwin Cherry and Ralph Cherry.

Survivors include her daughters, Cheryl Hammett (Randy) of West Monroe, and Terri Barrett (Kevin) of Sandwich, IL; grandchildren, Jessica Card (Adam), Lauren Bond (Brian), Kevin Barrett, Jr. (Natalee), Blake Barrett (Kylie) and Mallory Barrett; great-grandchildren, Aidyn, Britton, Gabriel, Piper and Nathaniel Bond, Addison and Levi Card, and Roo’ney and Mac Barrett.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Barrett, Jr., Blake Barrett, Brian Bond, Adam Card, Britton Bond and Gabriel Bond. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer Foundation, the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home or a charity of your choice.