BENTON – Darla Forsythe, 82, of Benton, died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at her home.

She was born April 5, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, to Col. J.T. Biggs and Bonnie (Brown) Biggs. While growing up in Ewing, she lived for many years with her grandparents, Delmar and Edna Biggs. She married Paul Franklin Forsythe on July 14, 1962, and they shared 63 years of marriage until his death Dec. 10, 2025.

She was a graduate of Benton Consolidated High School, Class of 1961.

Mrs. Forsythe formerly worked as a bookkeeper for Franklin Hospital in Benton and Doctors Hospital in Springfield, Ill. She also worked for Taylor Motors and Bert Baker Chevrolet, both in Benton.

She was a member of Ewing Baptist Church.

She enjoyed bowling and competed in league play in her 30s, averaging in the 200s and recording several games in the 240s, according to her family.

Survivors include two sons, Scott Forsythe and wife Joyce of Whittington and Mike Forsythe and wife Shannon of Pleasant Plains; grandchildren: Kyle Forsythe of Mechanicsburg, Kelsey Forsythe and husband Diego Pina of St. Louis, Mo., Justin Forsythe of Ewing, Matthew Forsythe of Benton, Khilee McGuire of Carterville, Skip Thomas of Benton, Melissa Schultz of Benton and Rocky Thomas of Papillion, Neb.; a great-grandson, Travis Scott Forsythe; a half-brother, Greg Biggs of Tennessee; a half-sister, Janet Biggs of Florida; brothers-in-law, Sandy Forsythe of Benton and Terry Forsythe of Ewing; and a niece, Christine Forsythe-Vondras of Ewing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; husband; a sister-in-law, Helen Forsythe; a niece, Gina Forsythe; and a nephew, Terry Forsythe Jr.

Mrs. Forsythe’s wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Ewing Baptist Church. Contributions will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave condolences or share memories, visit lpfuneralhome.com.