LaVada L. Darlage

LaVada L. Darlage, 72, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on September 17, 2026, at Franciscan Health Hospital following a brief hospitalization.

LaVada was born on November 9, 1953, to Pearl (Pedigo) Hampton. Pearl later married Clyde Hampton, who adopted LaVada when she was young.

She is survived by her fiancé of 11 years, Charlie Hampton; her children, Kelly Hamm of Franklin, and John (Mandey) Darlage, of Columbus; and her stepchildren, James (Samantha) Hampton, Jessica Hampton, and Charlie III (Christina) Hampton, all of Indianapolis.

Also surviving are her grandchildren, Jessica (Kris) Holland, and Jackson Darlage; her great-grandchildren, Brently Ogle, Jade Ogle, and Scarlett Holland; and 10 step-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Gary (Neva) Hampton, and her sister, Shannon Hampton, along with their children, whom she loved dearly.

LaVada was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, as well as two brothers, a niece, and several close cousins.

She graduated from Indian Creek High School in Trafalgar, Indiana, in 1972. LaVada grew up in Morgantown, Indiana, and lived most of her life in Edinburgh and Columbus before moving to Indianapolis, where she spent her final 12 years.

LaVada loved spending time with family and friends, but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world. She enjoyed arts and crafts, gardening with her mother, and cooking for the family. Later in life, she loved riding Harley-Davidsons with Charlie, participating in benefit rides, and donating her time to charitable causes.

LaVada and her sister, Shannon, shared a bond that went beyond being sisters—they were best friends. One of LaVada’s greatest joys was decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas, when she proudly displayed her hundreds of nutcrackers.

Her life was filled with family, friends, love, and happiness.

A celebration of LaVada’s life will be held at a later date. The family will share additional information once arrangements have been finalized.

Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory.