Darla Jo Crouse's Obituary
Darla Jo Crouse, age 66, passed away surrounded by loved ones on September 18, 2025. She was born in North Hollywood, CA on March 24, 1959, to Irvin and Bettie (Delaney) Lake. When she was young, her family relocated to Michigan, first to the Detroit area and later to the Muskegon area. Darla worked at Shape Corporation for about 27 years before retiring this year.
Darla married Russell Crouse on May 22, 2005, and cherished 20 years together. Darla and Russell had love for the children and sponsored four through Compassion International. They would collect goods for yard sales to be able to buy food trucks for the community too. She was known for being modest and would help anyone in any situation, no matter the circumstance, often paying for there groceries or gas. She had one of the biggest hearts around. When she wasn’t helping in her community, she enjoyed playing board games, scrabble, reading and antiquing.
She was a faithful member of Journey Community Church and was an avid member of the United Way, as it held a special place in her heart.
She will be lovingly remembered by her parents, Irvin Lake and Bettie Delaney; husband, Russell; 5 children, Dana (Jed), George, Jon (Emily), Zach (Vicki) and Dylan (Lauren); 3 brothers, Rich, Tom and Randall (Rachel); 3 sisters, Glenda (Steve), Susan (Bud), and Linda; many grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews; she was preceded in death by brother Michael, Robert, and Judy Ann.
In lieu of flowers, make contributions to the Ric VanWeelden Music Fund in Darla’s name at
https://givebutter.com or visit the web site at https://ricvmusicfund.org.
A visitation will be held Friday, September 26, 2025, from 3:00-5:00PM with Time of Sharing from 3:00-3:30PM, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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