Donna Belle Lewis
August 12, 2012
Donna Belle Lewis was born in Des Moines on February 19, 1936, to Carl C. and Ruth L. Larson. She passed away on August 12, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center. Donna attended East High School until 1953. She married Eugene Bolich in 1956. In 1974, she married Russell Lee Lewis, they were married for 30 years.
Donna worked as an accountant, retiring after 44 years of service. Her favorite pastimes were roller skating (until the age of 73!), and dancing. She loved to garden, fish and was a great cook and baker. Donna was known by her family and friends for her great sense of humor and zest for life.
Donna Belle is survived by her son, Raymond (Phyllis) Wilson; daughters, Diana Bolich, Connie (Freddie) Gomez, Kimberly Clark, Pamela (Steve) Gould, and Denise (John) Reynolds, all residing in the Des Moines area except Diana, who resides in Wisconsin; siblings, Ruth Ann Kiley of St. Peters, MO, Emma Kay Rhodes of Eufala, OK, and Judy J. Ames of Des Moines; 14 beloved grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; 22 nieces and nephews; and numerous great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; both of her husbands; and her brother, Carl Raymond Larson.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Christy Deaton-Duckwall and Family from Berkeley S
08/15/2012
To Mommy (Emma Kay), Aunt Ruth Ann and Aunt Judy, and to my cousins, Raymond, Diana, Connie, Kim, Pam and Niece.
There are no words to express the heaviness and sadness my heart feels for the death and loss of your sister, your mother and my Aunt. I'm sorry I can't be there in person to say my goodbyes to Aunt Donna Belle and offer comfort to you. I tried very hard to make it there, but as you know, things moved pretty fast and I just couldn't make it work. I'm so sorry.
It's natural to focus on our own loss and grief at a time like this but as I reminisce about Aunt Donna Belle, I begin to remember not just that she died, but that she lived! Her life afforded all of us so many laughs, smiles and memories too beautiful to ever forget. This is how she will live on in my heart.
I know that it's hard to see past your sorrow today, but I find comfort, and I hope you will too, in knowing that when she reached heaven, she slid in sideways and said, "Man, what a ride!"
I love you all. I pray God's blessings for comfort and healing on your family.
Finally,
I love you Aunt Donna Belle. May you rest in eternal peace.
Christy Deaton-Duckwall
08/15/2012
From Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
David Stewart
08/15/2012
To mom (Judy) aunt Ruthann aunt Emma Kay Im so sorry for the loss of your sister Donna Belle. I have many memories of Donna Belle as I was growing up .To my cousins Raymond & Phyllis ,Diane ,Connie ,Kim,Pam ,niece(sorry dont know all your spouses) my sincere condolences go out to all of you in your time of grief. Im so glad that all the sisters got to go on that trip to florida a few yrs back .We will all miss Aunt Donna Belle.
Emma Kay Deaton Rhodes
08/15/2012
To my Sister Donna Belle. I am heartsick and heartbroken that I won't be able to be with you when final goodbyes are spoken. I've driven that 500 miles to DSM many times but this time it is just too hard for me. You came to support me when I lost my husbands, and I was with you when Russ passed away .Sisterly love brought us through those most difficult times. I am so thankful that Ruth Ann was there with you in your final days. I know she gave you all her love and support you needed.
You and I have shared so many good and fun times. I'll never forget when we were kids', Mom sent me with you for your violin lessons. I could never understand why I was being punished! And there was the time we sneaked Daddy's car out of the barn and you driving with your ice skates on to Birdland lagoon so we could skate. Don't know if Daddy ever knew.
Precious memories!! They can't be taken from me! They are etched on my heart and mind.
Donna Belle, I have loved you all my life and aways will. I know you will be welcomed by all of our loved ones who have gone before. Don't worry about your furry children. I give lots of love and pets!!
Butch, Mary and Family
08/14/2012
Dear Family ,We are so very sorry for the loss of your mother. Donna Belle was a wonderful person and we will all miss her terribly.We have so many fond memories of her and her recent trip to our home was most memorable! We send our love and prayers to all!
Chris, Lorie, Jesse and Amber Kiley
08/14/2012
To my Mother (Ruth Kiley) ,Aunt Emma Kay ,Aunt Judy. So sorry for the loss of your loving sister . She will be missed . The momories will always be cherished deep in our hearts . Some of my fondest childhood memories were our trips to Des Moines to spend time at the house and when we were really good got to Adventureland . But we cant forget the fair . Those were the time i liked best . Although the years pass and time gets lost we always remember when . To my Cousins . Im so sorry for the loss of your Mom . I wish i could be there for all of you . I love and miss you all . I found this and it brought me some peace i hope it does the same for you .. God looked around his Garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon his earth and saw your loving face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain.
And knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw your path was difficult, he closed you tired eyes,
He whispered to you "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,
We would not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.
You've left us precious memories, your love will be our guide,
You live on through your children, you're always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you on the day God called you home. All our love.
Mary Jo Welnak
08/14/2012
Diana, you have my deepest sympathies! I'm so sorry to hear that your mom passed away. I know how much you loved her and I enjoyed hearing about her at our visits. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Heidi Tjaden
08/14/2012
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom, Diana. You and your sisters will miss her terribly, I know. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending my love.
Terry Lynn Deaton Wilson
08/13/2012
To my Mom (Emma Kay), Aunt Ruth Ann and Aunt Judy, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. I will always cherish the stories I have heard of growing up together and those we have made of our own. There were some doozies! (lol) To my cousins "Little" Raymond and Phyllis, Pam, 'Neise and Dianna, I am sorry for the loss of your Mom...I can not imagine how you must be feeling. I will not be able to make it to Des Moines for the services due to time constraints. Please know you have my deepest sympathy, love and are in my prayers. We will all miss Aunt Donna Belle and cherish our memories. Love, Terry Lynn, Brian, Chris Michael and Rebecca
Denise (Dee Dee) Deaton Piggott
08/14/2012
First of all let me say to my Mom ( Emma Kay ), Aunt Ruth Ann, and Aunt Judy, I am so sorry for your loss of your sister Donna Belle. I will always cherish the time of the family reunion when we went over to Aunt donna Belle's apartment and listended to stories of you 4 girls growing up and seeing pictures. We had a great time together. To my cousins " Little " Raymond and Phyllis, Dianna, Pam, and Neise, I cannot comprehend the loss you are feeling on the passing of your mom. It truely saddens me at the thought of losing mine, so I can only imagine the pain you must be feeling. If I could take your pain away I would do it in a heartbeat! You all have my deepest sympathy, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. We will not be able to make it to the services due to time constraints. We will miss Aunt Donna Belle's laughter and love of of family. She loved us all!
Jack and Linda Arndt
08/13/2012
We would like to express our sincere sympathies to you and your family. She was a wonderful woman. Blessed in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints, your Mom has just moved to her new home. Love you both.
Love, Jack and Linda
Carol Miner
08/13/2012
My Dearest Girls: Pam, Denise, Dianna: May you feel the love of those who care embracing you during this difficult time.
May we all remember the very special times we have all shared with your Mom Donna.
My love and prayers are with you and the rest of all the family. Love, Carol