Donna Howe

Our precious Donna M. Howe entered heaven on Monday, October 15, 2018 as her loved ones stood by her side. She was born on February 6, 1948 to Virginia and Lafe Frankford. Donna was a life-long Des Moines resident and graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1966. It was there she met the love of her life, Dennis, and they were joined in marriage June 27, 1970. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Shelly and Denny Jr. After the children were raised Donna returned to the workforce and retired in 2014 from Principal Financial.

Donna (affectionately known as Nani) loved being a homemaker and was especially a great cook – she loved planning large family gatherings and was happy making all the preparations. No one left her house hungry! She was also fantastic at crocheting and made a number of blankets (in fact, one for each grand baby and for many others). She loved camping and easily made their motor home a comfortable second home. Donna enjoyed Iowa Hawkeye football and attended games for nearly 30 years (loving road trips with the family). She is a member of New Hope Assembly of God Church and lived by faith on a daily basis. Even in sickness she firmly believed that God was in control.

Left to mourn her passing is her devoted and loving husband Dennis and children Shelly and Denny Jr., (Machela). Also, the loves of her life – precious grandchildren: Ashley, Amanda, Alexis, Mylie, Madden, Maverick and baby girl Howe (due in November). Nani, sadly, will miss many of their adventures in life – but, she will be watching over you from heaven because she loves each of you so much and she's so proud of each of you.

Donna also leaves other extended family members and a host of friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Judes Childrens Hospital or Steadman Childrens Hospital at the U of I. in Donna's memory. Cancer is a horrible disease! Special thanks goes to Dr. Schultheis and Nurse Jennifer at Medical Oncology and the staff at Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Hospice House for their love and care. Thanks to the pastoral staff at New Hope Assembly of God.

We are not saying goodbye to our sweetheart / mom / nani – but rather, We Love You and we'll see you later. Rest in peace sweet angel.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. There will be a dessert reception during the visitation at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Private burial will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery in Des Moines on Friday.

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