A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

She was born to William Hardy and the late Joanne Hardy and grew up deeply cherished alongside her brothers, Russell Wade Hardy and Shay Hardy. She was preceded in death by her mother, Joanne Hardy; her brother, Russell Wade Hardy; and her sister-in-law, Nadie Stroud.

Darby Jo was united in marriage to her devoted husband, Randall Nicholas, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, support, and treasured memories for over 42 years.

She was a proud and loving mother to her son, Russell Nicholas, and daughter-in-law, Amber Nicholas. Darby Jo found her greatest joy in being “Grandma” to AnnMarie, Rhys, and Addison, each of whom brought immense happiness to her life.

She is also survived by her father, William Hardy; her brother, Shay Hardy; her nieces but more like daughters, Chasity Lawson and husband John Lawson, and their children Paighton and Ryleigh; Shelby Dirk and husband Travis Dirk, and their children Hunter and Barrett; her brother-in-law, Roland Nicholas and wife Susan Nicholas and their children, Delissa and Nathan; her brother-in-law, Tom Stroud and his children, Zane, Ryan, and Nicki. As well as her uncle Fred Hardy and wife Linda, and honorary family uncle Garry Johnson.

Darby Jo was a woman of warmth, strength, and selfless devotion to her family. She was an amazing cook and her home was always a place where everyone felt loved. Darby had one of the most generous and kind souls to everyone she met. Her legacy lives on through those she loved, who will carry her memory in their hearts forever. She will be remembered for her unconditional love, her kind spirit, and her sense of humor especially her well-known claim that she never met a curb she couldn’t hit.

Visitation will be held at Blaylock Funeral Home on Monday, March 23, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with graveside services at Jordan Springs Cemetery on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 11 a.m.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.