Darla Sue (Shrader) Schrock

Darla Sue Schrock, of La Porte, IN passed away Monday, April 14, 2025.

She was born in La Porte on September 10, 1944, to Helen (Alsop) and Walter John Shrader. She was 80 years old.

She met the love of her life Floyd Wayne Schrock shopping at Five Star, where he was a manager. The story goes that Darla’s 5-year-old daughter Lisa was riding in the basket, when they ran into Floyd, and she introduced her Mommy to him. Floyd and Darla were married on September 22, 1973. Floyd preceded Darla in death on September 18, 2021.

Darla leaves behind her children Lisa Conley of La Porte and Patrick Conley (Carrie) also of La Porte. Stepchildren: Rodney Schrock (Cynthia) of and Pamela Schrock of Florida. Randy Schrock (deceased). She had grandchildren: Dakota Conley (Ashley), Shiane Leady (Chance), and Joshua Conley (Patrick). Jerad and Aaron (Rodney). Megan (Pam). She also had great grandchildren: Aedan, Ella, Elliot, and Owen (Dakota). Izzy and Claire (Shiane). She is survived by her sisters and brother: Christy Lynn Allison (Mike), Theresa McAlister, and Nick Salo. A brother, Michael Allen Salo preceded her in death. 

Floyd and Darla owned and operated Burger Dairy stores. The two notable locations were Schrock’s Burger Dairy store in La Porte and Schrock’s Grocery Shoppe on Johnson Road in Michigan City. Best ice cream in town! Darla was a former owner-broker of Competitive Real Estate Inc. and she was a member of the La Porte Board of Realtors.

She resided, with her family, in the neighborhood of Jongkind Park for 50 years. Darla’s house was the house that all the kids played at. She maintained a beautiful pool for all the kids to swim in and a beautiful yard for the kids to play baseball on the hill. She offered hot dogs and ice cream cones to all the starving athletes. She loved all those little athletes. Darla loved children and animals. Dogs were her favorite. Her loving dogs, Bosley, Levi (Puppers), and Maddie preceded her in death. Along with grand dogs Lucy and Cali. I am sure all of them received her in heaven with warm kisses and happy tails. Darla and Floyd never missed a chance to watch their children and grandchildren participate in sporting events or school functions. They wouldn’t miss them for anything.

Darla and Floyd were members of the First Church of God, where they made many lifelong friends of faith. Christmas was Darla’s favorite holiday. She made dozens upon dozens of cookies. She would hide them in the trunk of her car so they would make it to Christmas day. She decorated the house beautifully from top to bottom while playing Christmas songs beginning the day after Thanksgiving. And she made sure that all the kids got every present on their wish list. Christmas will never be the same without her. Darla had a wicked sense of humor. She loved to play pranks on the kids. She loved playing cards, baking, laying in the sun, and going for rides. Darla and Floyd enjoyed traveling together. She enjoyed the one-armed bandits at the local casinos. But most of all, she loved us. Unconditionally, wholeheartedly, and no matter what. For that, I will be forever grateful. I love you, Mom.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the La Porte County Animal Control & The Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Darla’s life or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darla Sue (Shrader) Schrock, please visit our floral store.