Donna Jean Nelson

Donna Jean Foote Nelson, of Waukee, IA, passed away March 17, 2025, at the age of 84. Donna was born October 26, 1940 in Yakima, WA, to Kilburn and Mae Belle (Kreibel) Foote. She grew up with a deep love for faith, family, and music—passions that would shape her entire life.

Donna graduated from high school in Tacoma, WA, before attending Northwest Christian College in Eugene, OR, where she earned a Bachelor of Theology degree in 1965. While at NCC, she met the love of her life, Paul Nelson, as they both participated in the Chapel Choir, and they married on December 15, 1962. Their shared devotion to ministry and service led them through many moves and roles, as Paul pursued his calling in the Christian Church while Donna faithfully supported him, serving alongside him in various churches and communities. Donna’s love of music was a defining part of her life. She found joy in singing, playing the piano, and worshiping through song.

Together, Donna and Paul built a loving family, welcoming three children into their lives. Their daughter, Rhonda, joined their family in 1969 while they were living in Lexington, KY. Their son, Scott, was born in 1974, and their daughter, Becky, was born in 1975 while the family lived in Marshalltown, IA. Donna embraced motherhood with patience, love, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing her children in faith and family values. As their children grew, Paul and Donna attended countless band concerts, sporting events, and other school activities, always their biggest cheerleaders. They continued that tradition with their grandchildren, and Donna found great joy in carrying it on with her great-grandchildren.

For nearly 30 years, Donna worked in the Early Education office at Des Moines Christian School, where she was a beloved presence for families, children, and staff alike. After retiring, she and Paul dedicated much of their time to care and compassion ministries, particularly serving seniors and visiting the homebound. She had a gift for bringing peace and encouragement to those around her and was known for her gentle spirit, kindness, and unwavering faith.

She and Paul enjoyed traveling together to visit family, friends, and many national parks along the way to explore the beauty of God’s creation. Even after Paul’s passing, she continued to embrace travelling adventures with her family and meaningful connections with friends, offering warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support to those around her.

After Paul’s passing in 2019, following 57 years of marriage, Donna found strength in new friendships, Bible study, and continued service to her church. She also maintained weekly video calls with her sisters for the past ten years, a tradition that brought her immense joy. She cherished her church family at Westkirk Presbyterian Church, where she participated in various women’s ministries and engaged deeply in her Coram Deo Small Group. Even in her declining health, she continued to find ways to serve, whether through volunteering in the church office or offering words of comfort and wisdom to those in need.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul; her parents, Bill and Mae Foote; her daughters, Terri Lynn and an infant daughter; her brother, Ray Foote; and her sister, Marcia McKellips.

She is survived by her children, Rhonda Nelson of Venice, CA; Scott Nelson (Kate Bangs) of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Rebecca “Becky” Cox (Daniel) of Van Meter, IA; her grandchildren, Bodhi and Natalie; her great-grandchildren, Grayson and Rory; her siblings, Nancy (Tom) Helmick, Mary Foote, Ben (Barbara) Skaught, Ken (Mindy) Skaught, and Vanessa (Denny) Tate; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2025 at Westkirk Presbyterian Church, 2700 Colby Woods Drive in Urbandale, IA with visitation one hour prior. A light lunch will follow. If guests are not able to attend the service in person, the family invites friends to join them virtually by clicking the livestream link at the end of the obituary below and accessible on the day of the service.


Donna will be remembered for her deep compassion, steadfast faith, and the countless lives she touched with her words of comfort and encouragement. Her legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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