Donna Lankford
February 20, 2021
Donna Lankford, 82, passed away February 20, 2021 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston.
Donna was born October 8, 1938 to Sesto “Sam” and Armida Magnani in Des Moines. Though she worked various part-time jobs throughout her life, it was her career as a wife, mother and grandmother that she cherished the most. Donna was a long time member of Christ the King Catholic Church. She enjoyed watching her kids play at Ft. Des Moines Little League and camping at Lake Rathbun with her family. She enjoyed gardening and her family get-togethers on Sundays.
Donna is survived by her children, Dick Lankford, Jim Lankford, Lori Plumb, and Lisa (Roger) Saltzman; grandchildren, Amber (Tim) Watson, Austin Lankford, Zach Saltzman and Cheyenne Bailey; great-granddaughters, Alyssa and Avery Lankford; cousin, Enes Victor; former daughter-in-law, Beth Lankford; and a host of other family and beloved friends.
Donna was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Howard “Dick” Lankford; her parents; and her brother, Elmo Magnani.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday March 4, 2021 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League in loving memory of Donna.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Tyler Van Alst
03/04/2021
I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. Donna was always so great to me and I have so many memories of her that bring a smile to my face. I hope it brings your family peace to know she is finally able to be with your dad/grandpa again. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Judi
03/04/2021
To all of the Lankford family. I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a nice lady and I loved her laugh! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Judi (stapes) Roach
Joe Katich
03/02/2021
Dear Lankford family- Thoughts and prayers go out to you. First met your Mom when she was at Christ the King in the 70's. She always gave us extra helpings at lunch to give us strength for the ballgames. What a wonderful lady! Then there were all the yrs. at FDM with Jim. His Mom and Dad were always there. Rest in peace.
Jon and Kathy Stapes
03/01/2021
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Donna. She was the sweetest lady, always smiling and kind words. I loved hearing stories of all your "good ole days" as the Stapes and Lankford families. :) Rest in peace Donna and party like a rockstar with all your old friends. All our love... Jon and Kathy
Mary Alice Monroe(Lose)
02/28/2021
We are so sorry to hear that your Mom passed away. She was always so sweet to all of us kids in the old neighborhood. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Mary Kay (Masolini) Zaver
02/27/2021
Thinking of all of you at this time of sorrow! You're mom was the sweetest person! Cherish your memories!