Darbi Cardwell

It brings extreme sadness to announce that on September 15, 2023, Darbi Jo May passed away shy of her 55th birthday following a sudden and brief battle with liver cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her peaceful entry through the gates of heaven.

Darbi was born on November 19, 1968 to Michael and Janet May in Bloomington, Illinois. A 1987 graduate of Fisher High School, Darbi soon found herself married and starting a family of her own in Ohio. Having a love for staying active she taught an aerobics class at a local gym while her children were young, often bringing them along. She also loved long bike rides and just being out in nature in any capacity. Throughout the remainder of her years she participated in crossfit and many 5k races as well as a triathlon event and half marathon. She spent as much time as she could with her own children as well as many others as she maintained an at home daycare job for years. Along with a love for music, the beach was Darbi’s escape as she spent many vacations where the land and water met. Not for the sandcastles and seashells but for the sights, sounds, smells & sunshine. A true believer in self improvement, Darbi constantly elevated herself to the next level whether it be through her job, with relationships, spiritually or intellectually. She was selfless in all that she did and impacted many lives throughout her own life. Those qualities remained with her to the day of her passing as she had aspirations to turn revenue from her own business into an outlet for providing donations to anyone in need. She also had dreams of opening up a facility for families to help care for their aging loved ones in a home setting at a low cost. This was after spending a significant amount of time and effort contributing towards the wellness of her father up until preceding her in death 4 months prior. There was nothing she did without having the interest of others in mind. Known as “Grams” to 4 wonderful grandchildren, she came alive in their presence as did they in hers, and cherished every moment she got with them. She was their true #1 fan just as she was for her own children. Darbi also leaves behind a family of co-workers from her 20 years as an accountant/controller for Columbus Worthington Air and most recently ARS Rescue Rooter. She was well known and respected both within her roles in the company and for who she was as a person. She most definitely made as much of a difference to her employers and co-workers as they made to her life. Darbi will certainly live on in the hearts and minds of so many people as a hero, role model, and dear friend.  

Darbi is survived by her son, Brock Cardwell, of Marion, Oh; daughter, Faith (Steven) Lewis of Marion, Oh; 4 grandchildren she loved dearly, Julian, Gracie, Joy & Elias; Mother, Janet May of Peoria Il; Sisters, Heather (Mike) McLaughlin, of Columbus, Oh; Brandy May, of Peoria, Il; Christie May, of Brownsburg In; Brothers, Michael May, of Dallas, Tx; Damon May, of Indianapolis, In; and many nieces & nephews, aunts & uncles and cousins.

Friends may call at the Boyd Funeral Home on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 1:00 PM until service time at 3:00 PM. Pastor Steve Lewis will be officiating. Contributions in Darbi's name may be made to Dress for Success c/o the Boyd Funeral Home or directly to: 1204 N. High St., Columbus, OH., 43201.

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