Dara Bigler, age 48, of Clinton, Missouri passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, July 19, 2024 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel in Clinton, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM prior to the service. The family would love for those attending to wear purple or pink to Dara's Celebration of Life, as those were her favorite colors.  Memorial contributions can be made to the J.C. Smith Foundation through State Fair Community College, or the Landrei Bigler Donation Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home.  Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com

Dara was born in Clinton, Missouri to Larry and Sandra (Bennett) Gilkey on August 2, 1975, and was one of the joys in their lives. Eight years later Dara's world was completely turned upside down when she became a big sister to Tyler. She and Tyler grew up on the family farm in rural northern St. Clair County. She attended grades K-12 at Lakeland School District graduating in 1993. She was a member and pianist at the Valley Center Church and there was married to the love of her life Travis E. Bigler on June 1, 1996.

Travis and Dara made their home and raised their family in Clinton, Mo. Their marriage truly defined to everyone the meaning of "for better or worse, in sickness and health until death we part." When Travis was severely injured, without question or doubt, they continued in their love and faith in one another, and she became his unwavering caregiver. One only had to watch Dara to see every facet of a mother and a grandmother's love, devotion and care. She loved fiercely and unconditionally Blayke, Landrei and Taryn. They were her delight, her purpose and joy. Travis was her pride and strength.  Her family are now her beloved and beautiful legacy.

Dara's mother's career inspired her to seek a profession in education. Dara received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2010 from Park University and her Master's in Science in 2012 from University of Central Missouri. In addition to her full time position at State Fair Community College, she taught courses for both SFCC and Central Methodist University.

In 2003, she became the founding director for State Fair Community College's Clinton campus ultimately setting the stage for immense growth of the programs and courses offered at the Clinton campus. She was instrumental in the expansion and development of new health programs in coordination with Golden Valley Memorial Hospital. Dara never knew a stranger and was always willing to take time out to help a friend, student, family, or co-worker. Many described her as "truly an extraordinary human - one of a kind". She was beautiful, brilliant minded and could reason, judge and problem solve like no other.  Her smile spread a light of love, she was a force of nature that met every challenge with a sense of purpose that knew no limitations.

Dara was passionate about taking care of Clinton and the surrounding communities and was a fierce student advocate. Dara served as an elected board member on the MO Community College Association advisory board from 2019-2023 in addition to countless other boards and volunteer opportunities for which she was a tireless advocate. She was a proud member and contributor in organizing the formation of the JC Smith Foundation.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, Travis Bigler, a cherished daughter, Landrei Bigler, her beloved son, Blayke McClure (Sara) and her granddaughter Taryn McClure, her parents, Larry and Sandra Gilkey, a brother Tyler (Megan) Gilkey, a niece and nephew, Addison and Whit Gilkey, her treasured Aunt Patricia Crowder, Uncle Bruce (Gerianne) Bennett, Aunt Charlene Orfield, many cousins, nieces, nephews and all the Bigler brothers and sisters-in-law. Her heart and love were so large she loved and welcomed many friends and colleagues to be a part of her life. Among the many friends Dara made a part of her family were dearest friend Paula Lewis and her family and Sandra Braithwait. Those left behind will continue to be inspired and motivated by Dara's life and unconditional love.

Those who preceded her in death were her grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. R. C.  (Billie) Gilkey and Mr. & Mrs. Bruce D. (Dorothy Mae) Bennett, her Mother and Father in law, Mr. & Mrs. Henry (Betty) Bigler.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.