Donna resided at Madonna Rehab Hospital for seven years after she was diagnosed with throat cancer and needed long term care. She loved living at Madonna and referred to it as her home. Her thankful and joyous spirit was infectious to all who knew her. She would walk the halls and would talk and joke with many and would talk as long as anyone would listen. Donna was kind and loving to all those around her and always wanted to know all about her family members. She was truly a blessing to all. Her world may have been rather small in some aspects but she found joy in small things such as hershey kisses, chocolate pudding, chocolate pie — pretty much anything chocolate, as well as playing Yatzee, 10 point pitch, Bingo, especially if she could win some quarters playing Bingo,and any musiucal program that she could attend.
Donna’s best friend, Ruby called Donna every day and visited her often. They had a special friendship and could laugh and talk about anything. Ruby’s son, David and her daughter, Darla would visit Donna with Ruby and play 10 point pitch. Ruby also joined Donna to watch the Huskers play football on game days. This past fall, an anonymous person donated a pair of football tickets for one of the home games and Donna and Ruby attended that game together and had an absolute blast cheering the Huskers on — and they won that game! Donna was unable to eat food other than her chocolate pudding and chocolate kisses for several years but she never complained about that even if people around her were eating or drinking. She found joy mostly with being with friends and family and honestly never met a stranger.
Lead by a very strong faith, she would tell people she was fine because she had people praying for her. She, herself, was such a prayer warrior and would always pray for anyone needing prayers. She faced many obstacles in life, but chose to live life filled with joy, fun and love for everyone.
Donna passed away on January 9, 2025. She will be missed by many but we take comfort in knowing she is with her Lord and savior.
Donna is survived by her sister and brother in law Diane and Kirk Russell, nephews – Christian Thompson; Paul Thompson (Maggie); great nephews Zachary Thompson (Alissa), Kadyn Thompson, Corbin Thompson (Teagen) and Cayden Thompson; great nieces Zoe Thompson, Kenna Thompson and Neasia Russell Hines.
Preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Doris Wolfe, niece, Janasia Russell.
Funeral Service: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Roper and Sons South Chapel (3950 Hohensee Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516). Visitation is one hour prior to the service.
The family wants to thank Ruby James for her special friendship with Donna and her continued dedication to bring joy to and spend countless hours with Donna. Also thank you to the Madonna nursing staff, Priests and Pastors, the many volunteers, and many other staff members who not only cared for Donna’s medical needs, but who truly treated her with kindness and respect and who genuinely loved her. You all are the best and we love and appreciate you. May God bless you.