Donna Demshar

Donna Jeane Demshar, age 89, passed away peacefully in Cabool, Missouri.

Donna was born and raised in Michigan and graduated from Lapeer High School in 1955. Even at a young age, she was no stranger to hard work, developing a strong work ethic she carried throughout her life.

Donna later attended beautician school, where she excelled at helping others look and feel their best — all while raising her young children. She was never afraid of hard work or farm life and finished raising her family on the family farm.

Donna served as a cook for the Seymour School District. This role was truly her specialty and where her love for cooking shined brightest. She took great joy in preparing meals for children and found happiness in seeing their smiling faces each day.

After her time with the school district, Donna went to work at HD Lee. She took great pride in her craftsmanship and dedication, always giving her best effort in everything she did.

Donna also joined Casey’s General Stores, first as a donut cook and then as a pizza cook, where she became well known and deeply loved in the Mansfield and Seymour communities. Her pizzas were made with lots of love, and her customers were her favorite part of the job. If you ever enjoyed a truly special Casey’s pizza, chances are Donna made it.

Beyond her work, Donna had many passions. She had a strong bowling arm and won numerous bowling tournaments, proudly displaying the trophies she earned. An avid bird watcher, Donna delighted in feeding the neighborhood birds and enjoying their presence from her yard.

Cooking and baking were among Donna’s greatest joys. She had a deep desire to provide meals or baked goods to anyone she knew and loved — and even those she didn’t. She regularly delivered food to friends, neighbors, mail carriers, grocery store cashiers, police officers, auto mechanics, and anyone she felt could use a little kindness. If Donna thought it would put a smile on your face, she made sure you were fed.

Donna also took great pride in her home and garden. Each year she planted a vegetable garden and a wide variety of flowers that filled her yard with beauty. She was once honored with Yard of the Month, an achievement that brought her immense joy. Donna took pride in everything she did and was loyal and devoted to all who truly loved her.

During her final months, Donna lived with her granddaughter’s family near Mountain Grove, where she deeply enjoyed their loving company and the peacefulness of farm life. She loved watching chickens, goats, and deer from the window and cherished quiet moments surrounded by family. She also delighted in daily snuggles with her beloved French Bulldog companion, Monty, who brought comfort and joy to her days.

Donna is survived by her children: Deanna Allen (husband Terry) of Mansfield, Ronald Peck (wife Jill) of Marshfield, Patti Arnold (husband Doug) of Lampe, Jackie Arnold of Bolivar, and Donald Demshar Jr. of Marshfield. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Lindsay Tyler (husband Curtis), Bailie Ogle (husband Nate), Colton Arnold (wife Katie), Lacey Steimel (husband David), Matthew Peck, Taylor Arnold, Riley Arnold, Avery Arnold, Brendyl Demshar, and Mason Demshar; and her great-grandchildren: Jaxton Tyler, Adelyn Ogle, Courtney Peck, Calli Watson, and Kalan Cowart. She also leaves behind many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorance and Doris Peck; her brothers, Charlie Peck, Bill Peck, and Edward Peck; and her sisters, Betty Currie and Margaret Keur.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who provided exceptional care and love during Donna’s final season. Everhome Hospice — Mandi, Whitney, Andrea, Sarah, Donna, Bernetta, Shelly, Leah, Rebecca, and Ellen — your compassion and support for both Donna and our family meant more than words can express. To her neighbor and dear friend, Margie, thank you for the love and care you showed Donna; she loved you and Dave dearly, and your friendship will always be treasured. Pastor Keith Adamson of Cedar Gap Baptist Church, thank you for stepping up and loving Donna as family. Your long visits and spiritual support was a true blessing. Her dearest friend, Pauline Buttram, thank you for loving her as a sister, she was blessed to have you in her life. Finally, Kabul Nursing Home — Lori, Lola, Amber, Liz, Kathy, Rebecca, Pam, and Shelby — thank you for keeping Donna comfortable, cared for, and loved. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you.

Donna’s family will forever cherish her kindness, strength, loyalty, and the countless meals, smiles, and memories she shared so generously.

A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who feel led may honor Donna’s generous spirit with a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.