11/21/2020
Donna Lee Gilchrist was born on September 3, 1953, in Knoxville, Iowa. She was the third of four children who were born to Herbert Lee Gilchrist and Rosetta Mae (Hevlin) Gilchrist.
Donna attended the Elm Ridge Country School and then graduated with the Class of 1972 at Knoxville Iowa High School.
Donna was a fiercely independent person, best personified by her first spoken sentence as a toddler, “I can do it myself.”
Donna attended Central College and graduated with an Arts degree. Donna was a talented artist, one of her favorite works was a self-portrait of her likeness as a frog. Her creative mind and quick wit will be remembered by many.
Donna never married but was always busy. You could find her kayaking riding her bike, playing golf, or doing other outdoor activities. She loved the outdoors.
Donna also had an appreciation for country music, particularly the country “old classics”. Her collection of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and other pioneers in country music was quite extensive.
Donna worked at Rolscreen, later becoming Pella Corporation, for over 35 years. She retired in 2011 due to health issues. Donna battled through health struggles for many years before becoming a resident of the Cottages in Pella.
She passed away on November 21, 2020, at the Pella Regional Health Center, after contracting Covid 19.
Donna will be remembered by her siblings, Marilyn and her husband Pete Owen of Newton, IA, Delbert and his wife Christina Gilchrist of Newton, and David and his wife, Margaret Gilchrist of Urbandale, IA; and her special friend Tamera and her husband, Jim Hemmer. Donna was preceded in death by her parents.
Donna was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pella. A visitation honoring Donna’s life will be held on Monday evening, November 30, 2020, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home in Pella.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 11 am at the Breckenridge Cemetery in Knoxville, Iowa. The family prefers memorials honoring Donna to be given to the Lake View Camp. PO Box 836, Pella, IA 50219 or online at www.lakeviewconference.com/donate.
Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home in Pella was in charge of arrangements.
Published on November 26, 2020