Stella Marie (Darkes) Boylan

Stella Merrie (Darkes) Boylan, 85, peacefully fell asleep in death on December 5, 2025. She was born on July 29, 1940, in Newark, Ohio, to Hugh and Mary Etta Darkes. A graduate of Newark High School in 1958, Stella began her career at Ohio Power and City Savings & Loan. In 1960, she married her first husband, and in 1966, she embraced motherhood with the arrival of her son, Michael. Stella later chose to dedicate herself fully to her role as a stay-at-home mother and homemaker, devoting her time and love to creating a warm and nurturing home.

After her first marriage ended in 1972, Stella married John Boylan in 1975, and together they built a joyful life until John’s passing in 2001. Their marriage was marked by laughter and love. Stella’s infectious laugh brought joy to everyone, especially when John shared one of his beloved jokes—even if it was for the 100th time.

Stella took pride in her home, which she maintained with meticulous care. When the time came to sell her house of 60 years on Isabelle Road, her realtor remarked on its pristine condition. Stella was also a skilled artisan, creating beautiful works of crochet and needlepoint that reflected her talent and attention to detail.

In 1971, Stella made the most important decision of her life—dedicating herself to Jehovah and symbolizing her dedication through baptism. She centered her life around her faith, delighting in personal Bible study, teaching others about Jehovah, and attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall. Her love for Jehovah was evident in everything she did, and she faithfully maintained an active personal ministry throughout her life. Stella’s roles as a daughter, sister, wife, mother and – above all else – devoted witness for Jehovah brought her immense joy.

She is survived by her son, Michael Loughman, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; her sister, Pam Priest, of Newark, Ohio; and her stepchildren, Andy (Claudia) Boylan, Tim (Karen) Boylan of Newark, and Krystie (Daryl) Dean of Arizona. She was also blessed with a close circle of dear friends and spiritual family who will cherish her memory.

A memorial service will be held on January 3, 2026 at 1pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2740 Newark-Granville Rd, Granville, Ohio 43023 with Tim Church presiding. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Friends and family will gather to celebrate Stella’s life and draw comfort from the promises found in Scripture.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Bill Barrick for his unwavering support and friendship to Stella, as well as the staff at Hearth Brook and Absolute Hospice for their compassionate care.

Stella’s hope in the resurrection, as promised in John 5:28, 29, remains a source of comfort to all who knew and loved her. While she will be deeply missed, her faith and example leave a lasting legacy of love and devotion to Jehovah.