Donna Ray 08/30/2024

Donna Jean Lewis was born on October 24, 1929, to Stanley and Elsie Lewis in River Falls, Wisconsin. She was the 3^rd of 6 children and was raised on a farm between Hammond and Roberts. She was a graduate of Roberts High School.

On October 27, 1948, Donna married David, also a farmer from the Roberts area. They were blessed with 5 children: Linda (Dean) Henderson, Norma Revels, Rodney Ray, Roger (Laurene) Ray and Brenda Poulin. Donna and Dave raised their family on the Ray family farm on County Road E at “Three Lakes” northwest of Roberts. Donna was a proud mother, grandmother, and great grandmother as well as an active leader in the community, the church, the neighborhood and anything the kids or grandkids were of part of, Donna was there to support and encourage.

Donna was a hard worker and every bit a partner in the farm doings. She was a giver of her time and talents in sewing, baking, gardening and was often the first to be there when neighbors, friends and family were in need.

Many will remember Donna as a Town of Warren Treasurer or, later, a Town of Richmond Clerk. Many will remember her as a 4-H leader, a Nike Neighbors Homemaker or a Church Deacon or Sunday School teacher. And everyone will remember Donna for her spunk and her commitment to her beliefs, her family and her community.

Donna will remain in the hearts of her 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, which includes Linda’s children and grandchildren: Kristin Causby, Taylor and Cole; Brad Afdahl, Bo and Ian;  Lori Brinkman, Mallorie, Will, Drew and Amelia; Norma’s children and grandchildren: Michelle and Mark Vrieze, Aaliya and Piper; Rodney’s children, Elizabeth and Aimee Ray; Roger’s children and grandchildren, Derek Ray, Alex;  Hayley Henley,  Luka; and Brenda’s children, Brian and Joe Poulin.  Donna is also survived by her sisters: Roene Frederick, Sharon Hamilton and Shirley (Pat) Casey and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Elsie Lewis, her husband David Ray, her siblings Bernard and Duane Lewis and brothers and sister in laws Kenneth Frederick, Bernice Lewis, Lorna Lewis, Darrell and Kathleen Ray, Richard Ray, Barbara and Bob Spees.

The family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion of all staff at the Deerfield/Gables Nursing Home and Optage Hospice.

A Memorial Service was held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Roberts Congregational United Church of Christ (1001 Birch Drive) in Roberts. Visitation was the same day from 12:00 to 2:00, also at the Church.   Memorials preferred to Robert’s UCC.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the recording of Donna’s service.