Darla (Gunter) Grewal, 66

Darla Sue (Gunter) Grewal, 66, passed away April 18, 2023, in Chilliwack, B.C., Canada, after battling cancer for over three years.

Darla was born Jan. 12, 1957, in Sandpoint, Idaho, to Harley and Lois Gunter. She was the youngest of four children. Darla grew up in Sagle, Idaho, and cherished the freedom, connection to nature and close community of her childhood. She loved bike riding and horseback riding and would run around the neighborhood barefoot, even in winter!

Her family was very active in the Community of Christ church and her faith was an important part of her life. She graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1975 and spent a summer working in Yellowstone Park, an experience that meant a lot to her and that she shared with her family through time in nature and visiting numerous national parks and nature reserves.

Darla attended Kinman Business University, where she gained bookkeeping skills. She then worked at Sandpoint City Hall for several years before moving to Independence, Mo., for a time in the early 1980s. There she worked with children with unique needs and really loved that experience.

Darla met Dennis Grewal at a church camp in Washington state and they were married in October 1983. They were blessed with three children and lived in various places in the U.S. and Canada. She and Dennis started a medical supply business in Creston, B.C., and she also worked at the library there. They moved to Chilliwack 12 years ago and Darla worked for a time at the Canadian Red Cross in Abbotsford.

Darla is remembered for her love of family gatherings, time spent in nature, playing games, puzzles and reading. She was an incredibly strong and resilient woman. Her family meant the world to her and her grandchildren were a special joy in her life. Her laughter, kindness and practical care are deeply missed.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Dennis of Chilliwack, B.C.; daughters Melanie (Miguel) Lopez of Whidbey Island, Wash., and Natalie (Andrew) Kahl of Martha's Vineyard, Mass.; and son Cameron of Chilliwack, as well as four grandchildren, Sophie and Saya Lopez and Caleb and Avery Kahl. She also leaves behind two siblings, Pat Gunter of Sagle, Idaho, and Diane Gatrost of Independence, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Mike Gunter.