If there’s one thing Mae Ola Darnall knew how to do, it was to love fiercely, laugh often, and keep her garden – and her family - thriving. On February 14, 2025, at the age of 86, Mae left this world in the same way she lived in it: on her own terms, with grace, strength, and a whole lot of love.

Mae married Walter Anderson in 1959, and together they built a beautiful life. They raised two wonderful children, Joan Anderson (Fraze) (Jeff Fraze) and Eric Anderson (Carolyn Anderson).

She was a proud Grandma to:

Andrea (Fraze) Valois (Joe Valois) – Great-grandma to Aidan & Brody Valois

Brooke (Fraze) Burke (Frank Burke) – Great-grandma to Zoe Pickett, Camryn Burke, Izabel Burke, and Landon Burke

Jeff Fraze Jr. – Great-grandma to Tryston, Liam, and Brennen Fraze

After Walter’s passing in 1988, Mae found love again with Ted “Bear” Darnall, marrying him in 1989. With Ted came a whole new crew for Mae to love, and she took on her role as stepmother, Granny, and Great-Granny with open arms. They shared many happy years together until Ted’s passing in 2005.

Through her marriage to Bear, Mae became Step-Mom, Granny and Great Granny to even more wonderful people:

Claudia Fulks – Granny to Kristi Lampkins (Great granny to Madison Lampkins- Gavenus (Noah Gavenus))

Granny to Lance Fulks (Katelyn Fulks) (Great granny to Lilly & Evelyn)

Granny to Jesse Fulks (Great granny to Hayden, Genesis, Journey)

Granny to Clint Fulks (Great granny to Emmy)

Barry Darnall (Shaun)

Granny to Jason (Jessica) Darnall

Adam (Ariel) Darnall (Great granny to Addylin, Alleah, and Avery)

Mae had a knack for making people feel at home, whether that meant pulling you into a warm hug, making sure that you never left her house hungry, or getting you outside to appreciate the beauty of a well-tended flowerbed. She loved to garden, and much like the plants she nurtured, she helped everyone around her bloom.

Mae didn’t want a sad goodbye. No funeral, no fuss, no long faces. Instead, she wanted everyone to celebrate her the way she lived—by laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying the simple things in life. So, if you’re reading this, honor Mae by planting something beautiful, hugging your family a little tighter, and remembering that life is best spent surrounded by love.

Her legacy lives on in the laughter of her grandchildren, the gardens she tended, and the hearts she filled with warmth. Mae has simply moved on to her next great adventure, and if we know her, she’s already rearranging heaven’s flowerbeds and making sure everyone up there feels at home.