Donna Shane Obituary
Donna Jean Shane, 88, formerly of Leeton and recently residing at the Windsor Health and Rehabilitation Center, died Thursday, December 7, 2023.
Donna was born August 4, 1935, in Milwaukee, WI. She was a daughter, sister, mother and friend. Her parents, John and Marian Beck, along with her siblings, were a Career Military Family and made their home where the Military sent them – from New Jersey to South Dakota to Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, Donna married Norris Shane, also a Career Military Member, and began her family. Over the years, she would call places like Puerto Rico, England, Michigan, South Dakota, Florida and finally, Missouri, home.
Donna was active in Scouting, both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and raised six children who were all active in Scouting as well. She moved to South Dakota in 1977 and there enrolled and graduated from Rapid City School of Nursing in Rapid City, South Dakota and was proud to call Nursing her career. Not stopping there, she went to Black Hills State College and received her Bachelor's Degree and Teaching Certificate in History. She graduated from College in 1987, the year after her youngest graduated from High School. She loved to read, travel and discover the History of places by visiting them. It was the love of family, travel and discovering that sent her to places like Pensacola, Florida; Southington, Connecticut; Hickory, North Carolina; and finally, Leeton, Missouri.
Donna enjoyed many activities and was always up for an adventure. In Illinois, she grew beautiful tulips and daffodils. In South Dakota, long drives through the Black Hills with her parents and children. In Florida, trips to the beaches and lighthouses. She nearly always had at least one book to read with her – her favorite author was Agatha Christie. She was known to go to a library and just start picking up books to read – she didn't care who the author was as long as it was a book. She learned to knit while she and her former husband were stationed in England – she would tell the story of her and Doreen sitting in the back of the theatre trying to knit in the dark. While in North Carolina, she worked for a Ministry and would collect as much yarn that was donated as possible. When Winter rolled around she would have shopping bags full of hand-knit stocking caps to give out to anyone who needed one (or two). She had been known to walk up to a random person and comment on "what a nice hat you have" and giggle as she walked away knowing it was a hat she had made. She was sarcastic, funny and had a wonderful smile. In the last few years, drives through the countryside, a stop for a pork tenderloin sandwich and an ice cream before going home were tops on the list of things she enjoyed.
One of her granddaughters said "Grandma was always one to get down on the floor and play with me… like really PLAY.". That granddaughter is now 33 with a precious memory.
In a recent call with her youngest daughter, she said that she is proudest of her family's dedication to the United States Military – as a child of a Military Member, the spouse of a Military Member and the Mother of many children that have served. She recalled how proud she was when she would see her Dad in uniform.
Donna was preceded in death by a son, Larry, and her former husband, Norris. She is survived by her children, Fred (Diana) Shane, Spotsylvania, VA; Catherine (Kendel) McVey, Chicago, IL; Teresa Shane, Lincoln, NE; Matthew Shane, Salt Lake City, UT and Mary (David Foy) Shane of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico; brother, John (Carol) Beck, Leeton, MO and sister, Judith Martin, Powell, OH; Eight Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are pending at this time. The family suggests contributions to the Leeton United Methodist Church in care of the Hadley Funeral Home, Windsor.
