Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary

Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary Trust When It's Needed Most Since there are so many ways to honor someone’s life, we encourage you to contact us to see how we can assist you.

Since 1956, Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, together with our dedicated staff, has been serving the community of Billings and the greater Yellowstone County area. We are experts in creating meaningful services, whether cremation or burial; a formal traditional service or an informal gathering; either in our facility, at your church or other location of your choosing.

Sharon Diane MillerSharon Diane (Hurley) Miller, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away in the ...
09/12/2025

Sharon Diane Miller

Sharon Diane (Hurley) Miller, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away in the early morning hours of September 9th, at the age of 56.

Sharon courageously battled cancer for 18 months through chemotherapy, surgery, infusions, and countless scans. Her determination to overcome this disease left her family and friends in awe of her strength and willpower. Her steadfast resolve to remain with her two sons was the driving force behind every decision she made regarding treatment, always hoping to live beyond the averages.

Sharon was born on May 3, 1969, in Bozeman, Montana, to Jerome “Jerry” Hurley (deceased) and Mike Wick. She attended Billings Senior High School, where she was a majorette and formed lifelong friendships. She later attended Eastern Montana College, where she was active in the Union Activities Board, and graduated with honors in Mass Communications with a minor in Spanish.

During her junior year of college, Sharon met the love of her life, Terry D. Miller. They married on May 15, 1993, at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral. Together, Sharon and Terry shared their faith through Catholic Engaged Encounter, presenting at weekend retreats for engaged couples.

Sharon and Terry were blessed with two sons, Keith David (born July 16, 1996) and Cole Derrick (born September 27, 2000). Her sons were the light of her life. Above all else, Sharon loved being a mom—never missing a play, band concert, football game, basketball game, or baseball game. No mother could have been prouder of her boys.

Sharon began her career in the title and escrow industry shortly after graduating college, first with Chicago Title and later with Stewart Title (formerly Security Title), where she remained throughout her career and even through her cancer treatment. To Sharon, her work was never just a job—it became part of who she was. She had a remarkable gift for recognizing and connecting with Realtors, lenders, and clients everywhere she went.

Those who knew Sharon will remember her radiant smile and genuine laugh, which came from the depth of her soul. She had a way of making everyone around her feel like her best friend—and for many, she truly was.

Sharon is survived by her loving husband, Terry; her sons, Keith and Cole; her mother, Mike Wick; her brothers, Phillip Hurley and Robert Hurley; and many cherished family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 16th, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, with reception and lunch to follow. Interment will take place Wednesday, September 17th, at 11:00 a.m. at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pack the Place in Pink.

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Diana Lee ReedDiana Reed passed away unexpectedly in her home on August 30th 2025. She loved gardening and going to the ...
09/11/2025

Diana Lee Reed

Diana Reed passed away unexpectedly in her home on August 30th 2025. She loved gardening and going to the river looking for agates. Seeing her children and grandchildren made her light up, she enjoyed spending time with them.

Diana is proceeded in death with the love of her life George, her parents Lester and Nellie Lloyd, two sisters Elsie and Janie. She is survived by her children Brenda (Vince) Leyden, Wanda (Dale) Sanderson, Susan (Bill) Haldeman, Mona (Dan) Degele, Shawn (Sandi) Crisp,13 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and great great children.

Mom will be greatly missed she will not be forgotten she will forever be in our hearts. We love you Mom.

Services are to be determined at a later date.

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Leisa Renee MondayLeisa “Renee” MondayJuly 13, 1960 – September 6, 2025Leisa “Renee” Monday passed away on September 6, ...
09/10/2025

Leisa Renee Monday

Leisa “Renee” Monday

July 13, 1960 – September 6, 2025

Leisa “Renee” Monday passed away on September 6, 2025, after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She faced her illness the way she lived her life — with strength, grace, and an unshakable faith in God.

Renee was born in Clovis, New Mexico, on July 13, 1960. At age eight, her family moved to Tucumcari, New Mexico, where she grew up and graduated from high school. She went on to attend Abilene Christian University and New Mexico State University, earning a B.S. in Medical Technology in 1982.

She worked in the medical field for several years before meeting the love of her life, Michael Monday, a medical doctor. They married on May 20, 1989, and began their life together with a honeymoon in Flagstaff, Arizona. They then moved to Wichita, Kansas, where Mike completed his residency and where their first child, Kaitlin, was born. In 1992, the family moved to Montana, where they later welcomed two more children, Karly and Kaleb. Billings became their long-term home and the heart of their family life.

Renee’s greatest joy was raising her children in a loving, Christ-centered home. She was devoted to her family and poured herself into being present and involved in their lives. Whether cheering them on, guiding them in faith, or simply being there with a listening ear and warm hug, she was a steady, loving presence.

She was also deeply involved in her church family, teaching children's Bible classes, participating in women’s Bible studies, and serving wherever she was needed. She had a special love for Yellowstone Bible Camp, where she spent many summers growing in faith and fellowship with others.

Renee was a quiet encourager — faithful, dependable, and sincere. She had a strong sense of purpose and lived out her faith in both word and action. Many younger women admired her for her wisdom, humility, and example of a life fully devoted to Christ. Her impact reached far beyond her own family.

Renee is preceded in death by her parents, Robert E. and Gerry L. Johnson. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Mike; her brothers, Robert (Paula) Johnson and Steve Johnson; her children, Kaitlin (Cameron) Olson, Karly (Trey) Dillon, and Kaleb (Lacee) Monday; and her four grandchildren: Maverick Dillon, Magnolia Dillon, Montgomery Dillon, and Rhett Olson — each of whom brought her great joy and pride.

Renee’s life was rooted in love, service, and faith. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Billings Church of Christ or the Yellowstone Bible Camp Foundation.

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Robert Lewis NanceRobert “Bob” Lewis Nance, 89, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully on August 27th, surrounded ...
09/03/2025

Robert Lewis Nance

Robert “Bob” Lewis Nance, 89, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully on August 27th, surrounded by family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and one of the last true wildcatters in the American oil and gas industry, Bob lived a life defined by vision, perseverance, humility, and generosity.

Bob and his beloved wife, Penni, began their journey together with just $2,000 in the bank and an unshakable belief that he could find oil where others had failed. That belief became the foundation of Nance Petroleum, headquartered in Billings, and his legacy as a geologist of remarkable intuition, innovation, and resolve.

Born with a natural sense for what was both practical and profitable, Bob was among the earliest in the Rockies to embrace 3-D seismic and horizontal drilling technologies, using them to discover reserves others had overlooked. His career began as an intern at DeGolyer & McNaughton while attending Southern Methodist University, where he earned his B.S. in Petroleum Geology. After graduating, he joined Oliver & West and, by 1964, was named Vice President and Chief Geologist, opening and leading the firm’s Denver office.

In time, Bob founded his own consulting firm, Nance & LaRue, with longtime friend John LaRue. A client’s drilling program of 21 straight dry holes brought him to Billings, where he saw extraordinary potential. After finishing the program, he returned briefly to Dallas, but the lure of Montana remained. With Penni’s encouragement—“We either need to move to Billings or you need to stop talking about it”—Bob made the move in 1968. From there, the rest truly was history.

Over the decades, Bob’s professional leadership and vision were widely recognized. He served on many industry boards and was a longtime member of many associations. His peers honored him with some of the industry’s highest awards: the IPAMS Wildcatter of the Year (1999), IPAA’s Chief Roughneck of the Year (2002), and the Rocky Mountain Oil and Gas Hall of Fame (2004).

Beyond the oil patch, Bob left an indelible mark on the Billings community. He served as Chairman of the Board of Deaconess Medical Center, overseeing its historic merger which formed the present-day Billings Clinic, and as Chairman of the Board for Rocky Mountain College, which awarded him an honorary Doctorate. With Penni, his philanthropy helped shape the future of healthcare in Montana through the Bob and Penni Nance Infusion Center and the Bob and Penni Nance Pediatrics Unit at Billings Clinic.

Bob also lent his wisdom to numerous corporate boards, including First Interstate Bank, Montana Dakota Utilities, and St. Mary Land & Exploration.

Beyond his career and community work, Bob had a lifelong love of adventure under the sea. He was an avid scuba diver who explored waters across the globe, but his favorite place—and the one that held his heart—was Kona Village Resort (KVR) on the Big Island of Hawaii. There, he made countless dives alongside his son Scott, daughter Amy, and son-in-law Brian. One of his proudest moments was watching his grandson Clay become certified at KVR, carrying on the family’s tradition of diving. Just as special were the evenings spent with Penni, his daughter Cathy, and his granddaughter Dana, enjoying a Mai Tai and watching the breathtaking Hawaiian sunsets. These moments at KVR—combining adventure, family, and the beauty of nature—were among the happiest of his life.

Just as the ocean called him, so too did the rivers of Montana. At his second home in Big Sky, Bob spent countless hours wading into the Gallatin River and its many tributaries. Fly rod in hand, he reveled in both the solitude of the water and the company of those he loved. He taught Amy, Brian and his grandson Clay how to fly fish “the civilized way” in Big Sky, passing along not just the skill but the joy of the sport.

At the heart of his life was family. Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Penni; daughter Amy Cebull (Brian); son Scott (Erika); daughter Cathy; and his cherished grandchildren, Clay Cebull (Halley) and Dana Cebull. He was preceded in death by his mother Ruth, as well as many beloved aunts and uncles. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he delighted in sharing his stories, humor, and love with them.

Throughout his career, Bob was more than just a leader—he was a mentor and role model to his family, countless colleagues, friends, and aspiring professionals in the oil and gas industry. He was someone whom everyone respected and looked up to, not only for his knowledge and accomplishments but also for his integrity, humility, and generosity of spirit.

A proud Texan at heart, Bob carried his love for the Dallas Cowboys with him throughout his life. No matter where oil and opportunity took him, Sundays were reserved for cheering on 'America’s Team.' His loyalty to the team was as steadfast as his loyalty to family and friends, a reminder that he never forgot his roots.

Bob will be remembered as a pioneer, a leader, a community builder, and above all, a devoted family man. If there is oil to be found in heaven, Bob will surely be the one to discover it.

The Nance family extends heartfelt gratitude to all the compassionate caregivers who brought comfort and dignity to his final days.

A memorial service for Bob will be held on Thursday, October 9th at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Billings, followed by a celebration of his life at the Hilands Golf Club. The family invites all who knew and loved him to join in honoring his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Billings Clinic Foundation.

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Joni Sue HeineJoni Sue Heine June 1,1964 - August 22, 2025Joni was born in Billings, MT to Jeanne and Jim Heine. She pas...
09/02/2025

Joni Sue Heine

Joni Sue Heine June 1,1964 - August 22, 2025

Joni was born in Billings, MT to Jeanne and Jim Heine. She passed away peacefully at home.

Growing up in Billings, she was a happy and active girl. She rode bikes, played and swam and was very athletic, doing softball cross country and cheerleading. Her education began at the YMCA for kindergarten. She then went on to Washington, Bench and Bitterroot Elementary schools, Lincoln Jr. High and Billings Senior High where she graduated in 1982. She attended Eastern Montana College briefly, and completed SST Travel School in Scottsdale AZ.

Joni really enjoyed working for Southwest Airlines. Joni lived and worked in Billings, Phoenix and Denver, and returned to Billings. She also worked in retail ,was a bank teller and did office work. She always loved the mountains of Colorado and especially the Beartooth Highway. Her dogs were always such an important part of her life.

Joni leaves behind her mother, Jeanne Stenson Heine, her sister, Julie Scott, her nephews Alex (Sara) Scott and Zach Scott, her aunts Margaret Morrison and Kathryn (Pat) Daugherty and cousins. Joni was preceded in death by her father, Jim and her grandparents Esther and Julian Stenson, Grandmother Katharina Heine. A family celebration will be held at a later date.

At her request no services will be held.

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Claire Jane (Durling) ColemanClaire always had a smile to share. Even during her last hours, she smiled and thanked her ...
09/01/2025

Claire Jane (Durling) Coleman

Claire always had a smile to share. Even during her last hours, she smiled and thanked her caregivers for arranging her pillow or pulling up her blanket. She loved to connect with people and find out where they were from. She would share, “I am from a small town in Ohio called Amherst”. She brought kindness and helpfulness to every encounter. She loved family, trees, sunshine, coffee, sandpipers, fresh-picked tomatoes, numbers, sunflowers, libraries, knitting, and Apple computers.

Claire Jane Coleman, 97, passed away peacefully with family by her side at Hansen Cottage at St. John’s United in Billings, Montana, on August 11, 2025. She died of natural causes. During her last years, she lived with Alzheimer’s.

Claire was born Jane Claire Durling, later changing her middle name to her first name. Family and friends often called her Jane, which she also used at times. She was born in Amherst, Ohio, on April 26, 1928, the first child of William Jacob Durling and Flora Evelyn Hearn Durling. She graduated from Amherst High School in 1946. She attended Ohio State University, where she met her future husband and father of her children, Richard William Highland, who was a psychology graduate student at the time. She raised four children in Southern California, and when they were older, she returned to college to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with her BS in Nursing. She later completed a Master of Arts in Sociology with a focus in Social Gerontology from New Mexico State University.

She had wanted to be a nurse since, as a teenager during World War II, she longed to join the Army Nurse Corps. Throughout her 27-year career as a Registered Nurse, she worked in hospitals, home care, hospice, and Saint Vincent Healthcare’s Ask-A-Nurse program, with her final employment being with the State of Montana as a Healthcare Facility Surveyor. While working at Kaiser Hospital in West Los Angeles in 1975, she was a victim of gun violence. She courageously entered a room to help her injured nurse supervisor and was shot and seriously injured. It was miraculous; she survived. She felt there must be a reason she lived that day. Though impacted by this trauma, she lived the rest of her life gratefully, spreading her sweetness, wisdom, and creating countless meaningful memories with her family and everyone she encountered. She was deeply loved and will be missed immensely.

A lifelong reader and learner, she remained open to learning new things and sharing that knowledge with others. In retirement, she worked with the local Retired Senior Volunteer Program, focusing on conservation issues through the non-profit Our Montana. She also worked with Project Homeless Connect and was appointed to the Mayor’s Committee on Homelessness in 2009. An avid knitter, her most recent charity passion was completing hundreds of knitted squares, which were made into blankets for AIDS-affected children in South Africa.

Claire Jane was raised in the United Church of Christ and kept the Bible she received when she was 10 years old, with important pages highlighted with sticky notes. Always a spiritual person, she was a lifelong seeker of meaning and epitomized the golden rule. During the turbulent sixties, her family attended a Unitarian Church. A lover of peace, she studied Quakerism in her later years and attended local Quaker meetings.

She served as a Montana delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Boston in 2004. She later declared Boston her favorite city. She remained active in politics, attending Democratic gatherings and writing to her legislators about topics important to her.

Claire Jane lived in many places, including Ohio, Illinois, Mississippi, Colorado, California, and New Mexico. She made Billings, Montana, her home in 1988 when she moved her mother from New Mexico, eventually to what was then called St. John’s Lutheran Home.

Claire Jane was married to Richard Highland for 21 years. Although they parted ways, they remained friends, which was very helpful for their children. Claire was by his side when he passed away in 2004. Claire was also married to Joseph Wulfeck, John Colburn, and Clark Coleman. They all preceded her in death.

Claire Jane was preceded in death by her parents, William Jacob Durling and Flora Evelyn Hearn Durling, her sister, Mary Jeanette Durling, and daughter-in-law, Judi Highland. Survivors include her sister Susanne Hearn Durling of Tucson, Arizona, four children, Joanie Highland McNiece (Michael) of Fountain, Colorado, Glenn Highland of Corona del Mar, California, Carol Highland-Fritz (Larry) of Billings, Montana, Bruce Highland of Maui, Hawaii; six grandchildren, Shannon McNiece Whetstone (Jesse), Blaine Fritz, Evan Fritz, Nathan Fritz (Melodi Anahtar), Kristian C. McNiece, and Caroline McNiece Owens (Jayk); three great grandchildren, Annie McNiece, Maggio Whetstone and Asha Owens; and nephews Paul, John and Stephen Fixx and niece Betsy Gumina.

No matter what life handed her, Claire Jane said she was “looking forward to what comes next”.

Cremation has taken place. Family will gather later for celebration of life. A group memorial service will be held on September 10, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at Ocee Johnson Chapel, located in Chapel Court, 3940 Rimrock Road. Donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice, Montana PBS (montanapbs.org), or the Billings Library (billingslibraryfoundation.org). Special thanks to Hansen Cottage for their years of loving care and to Riverstone Hospice. Additional gratitude for compassionate care to Dr. Nathan Bates and Billings Clinic’s Cardiovascular Unit.

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Judith Jane WallinderJudith Jane Wallinder, 98, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, surrounded by family in ...
08/31/2025

Judith Jane Wallinder

Judith Jane Wallinder, 98, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, surrounded by family in her home.

Born on December 2, 1926, in Roy, Montana, Judy was one of five Woodard children raised on the Red Barn Ranch by her parents, Jack and Mary. After graduating from Roy High School, she became a beautician and later met the love of her life, Peter Wallinder. They married in 1948 in Lewistown and made their home in Billings, Montana, where they raised two daughters, Carol (Daniel) and Kim (Moffet).

When Pete died of cancer in 1974, Judy stepped up with resilience and determination to take over his insurance business. After surviving a near-fatal car accident in 1975, she rebuilt and expanded the business with hard work, kindness, integrity, and a passion for serving her customers. Judy became a respected leader in her field, earning the first title of Farmers Insurance Agent of the Year in 1988 and Personal Lines Agent of the Year in 1993. In 1989, she proudly rode in the Rose Bowl Parade and was later inducted as the first agent into the Farmers Insurance Hall of Fame alongside the company’s founders. She retired from the insurance business at the age of 86.

Judy touched many lives in the Billings community through her involvement and support of organizations including Yellowstone 4-H, NILE, Rocky Mountain College, First Presbyterian Church, youth sports, Friendship House, Yellowstone Arts Center, Moss Mansion, the Billings Symphony and many others. She was always deeply grateful to the Billings area community for support throughout her career.

She is survived by her daughters and their spouses (Gary Daniel and Lou Moffet), four grandchildren (Brett Daniel, Roger Daniel, Meredith (Daniel) Lucas, Matthew Moffet) and eight great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought a smile to her face. Her family is her most important legacy.

The family also expresses heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers, therapists and Riverstone Hospice who lovingly supported Judy at home over the past decade.

Judy’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, perseverance, faith, and community. She will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Billings, Montana.

Memorials may be made to:

Yellowstone County 4-H Foundation

c/o Roni Baker301 N 27th St, , MT 59101

or

First Presbyterian Church

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Robert "Bob" McTaggartRobert Edward McTaggart, 86 of Billings, MT, passed away August 17, 2025, after a short battle wit...
08/29/2025

Robert "Bob" McTaggart

Robert Edward McTaggart, 86 of Billings, MT, passed away August 17, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. Bob lived a long and eclectic life. He was born in Butte and grew up in Hamilton MT where as an only child he joined his parents, Archie and Kay McTaggart, hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors in the Bitterroot mountains. After high school he enlisted in the Army and became a Green Beret. Following active duty, he continued to serve in the Montana National Guard and was chosen to be a personal aide and bodyguard to the governor of Montana.

Bob and his first wife, Sharon had two children, Scott McTaggart of Helena MT and Rosanna Richardson who died of cancer in 2019. Bob is survived by three grandsons, Scott and Cody McTaggart and Zanna’s son, Chance Gruber Richardson.

Bob and his second wife Susie ranched north of Helena where he became an owner-trainer of race horses. After years of caretaking horses and cows, he decided he could take care of humans too. At age 50, he left the rigors of ranching behind. He attended nursing school at Northern Montana College and became an RN. Bob moved to Billings and worked as a nurse while he earned a degree in psychology at MSUB. Psych nursing at Billings Clinic, the Mental Health Center and finally the Community Crisis Center, became his life’s work for 30 more years.

Bob met his third wife, Jaqui Thier, aka Jacquelyn Thier Cooper, a Billings native, in the early 1990s. They shared many diverse interests, a love of nature and outdoor recreation, a love of animals, especially horses, an appreciation of art and an honoring and support of Native American culture. They were adopted by a Crow family and attended numerous family gatherings, Crow Fairs and Sundances. Several of Bob’s end of life caregivers were Native American women.

Bob helped Jaqui to achieve her dream in 1995 when together they bought a mini ranch on Rock Creek near Roberts, MT. They called it Dreamweaver Lodge. For 15 years they shared their home with clients and students from around the country offering classes, workshops and personal retreats to seekers of solitude in nature, personal growth, healing and spiritual direction. Living at Dreamweaver Lodge was such a gift to Bob and Jaqui. Bob got to enjoy all the fun parts of ranching and horses and he loved caretaking all the native and domestic animals who shared their home.

Their beloved standard poodle, Sophie, joined Bob & Jaqui in 2010 when they moved back to Billings. For 14 years she ran the show and traveled with them to favorite destinations in the Southwest and along the Pacific coast.

Jaqui, a lifelong artist, encouraged one of Bob’s childhood dreams to be a painter. On their travels they attended plein air (outdoor landscape painting) workshops, studying with some

of the top pastel painters in the country. Unencumbered by a traditional art education, Bob’s natural talent for interpreting color and design in nature made him a successful “developing artist.”

At the end of his life, Bob’s St Johns Hospice nurses and VA helpers from Synergy enjoyed his eclectic wisdom and storytelling, his healing and loving presence and his ability to touch others with his courage and strength of spirit. Jaqui is forever greatful for all the professional helpers and dedicated friends who made Bobs last journey bearable. We all pray he is walking with his beloved dog Sophie, his daughter Rosanna and friends and family who passed before him, all who welcomed him to the “Other Side Camp.” (Crow afterlife)

Bob chose cremation of his earthly remains and a ceremonial scattering of his ashes with family, friends, coworkers and caregivers at a later date. Although Bob loved gardening and flowers, he asked any memorials be given in his name to the Community Crisis Center of Billings or a charity of your choice.

https://www.crisiscenterbillings.org/

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Donna Dae NeuheardtDonna Dae Neuheardt (Martinson) passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, surrounded by family at th...
08/28/2025

Donna Dae Neuheardt

Donna Dae Neuheardt (Martinson) passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, surrounded by family at the age of 81 years old. Donna was born November 18, 1943, in Miles City, Montana to Betty and Walt Martinson. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Florida where her father was stationed in the U.S. Navy. She returned to Montana around the age of 2 years old. At this time, her family settled in Billings, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Donna attended Fratt Elementary and Central Catholic High School where she met her high school sweetheart and life partner, Russ Neuheardt. The two later wed on May 9, 1961, and had three beautiful children: Rod, Kelli, and Scott.

Donna spent part of her life as a stay-at-home mom caring for her children and providing daycare for her nieces and nephews. At the age of 35, Donna began her career with Gallenkamp Shoes at West Park Plaza, which was later bought by Payless Shoe Source. She remained working for Payless until her retirement in her early 70’s. Donna was incredibly knowledgeable on shoes and loved bringing home new shoes for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy and was always elated to help others find the perfect pair for themselves. Outside of her career, Donna had a love for working in her beautiful back yard filled with many types of flowers and a vegetable garden. She and her husband and family spent time making salsa and canning pickles from their garden each year and found gratification in sharing their canned goods and vegetables with others.

Donna was a woman of strong faith and a devout Catholic. She never missed Sunday mass or mass on Holy Days of Obligation. Upon the loss of her husband in 2022, Donna found continued comfort and community at church and began attending daily mass. She also contributed her delicious baked goods to church functions and participated in adopting families with her daughter and granddaughter over the holidays to supply food and gifts to those in need. Donna was a steadfast member in a prayer chain community and spent her days praying the rosary and praying for those in need. At the time of her death, Donna had an ongoing notebook with a long list of individuals she was praying for, along with children in third world countries and the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to name a few. She set a great example for those around her in showing the true meaning of being a disciple of Christ. Along with her strong faith, Donna was a true patriot of her country. She was a strong supporter of the American military and veterans alike and proudly flew her American flag on the front of her house.

Donna was the matriarch of her family and led with love, wisdom, and faith in guiding her loved ones throughout her life. She was not only the blessed mother to 3 children, but the grandmother to 12 grandchildren, and the great-grandmother to 4 great-grandchildren. She also had many other children in her life who referred to her as “Grandma Donna” and loved them all as her own. Donna prioritized family and loved getting together for holidays and birthdays. She also loved planning lunch dates with her extended family and friends, which were later referred to as the “Markuson Luncheons”. Donna regularly spoke of how much she loved her family and how blessed and fortunate she was to have the loving family that she did. She found great joy in spending time with her loved ones, even if it was a quick visit during the week to watch Matlock or time after church to enjoy cheese, crackers, summer sausage, and coffee together. Donna spent many of her evenings and weekends attending sporting events for her grandchildren and later, her great-grandchildren. She also attended many choir events for her great-granddaughter and even got to enjoy time in Texas and Colorado visiting her children and grandchildren over the years. She will be greatly missed for her infectious laugh and smile, her loving demeanor, and her true love and acceptance of others.

Donna is survived by her 3 children - Rod (Kathleen) Neuheardt, Kelli (Berry) Roberts, and Scott (Stephanie) Neuheardt; 12 grandchildren- Andrew (Sarah) Roberts, Joshua Roberts, Taylor (Trever) Chase (Roberts), Caitlin Neuheardt, Anna Neuheardt, Joe Neuheardt, Margaret Neuheardt, Pete Neuheardt, Cecelia Neuheardt, Brigid Neuheardt, Zach Neuheardt, and Riley (Bryce) Agler; 4 great-grandchildren – Ally Schlepp, Trace Chase, Tripp Chase, and Teague Chase; her two sisters- Debbie Turner and Vickie Spelman; and many other friends and family, whom she cherished. She is preceded in death by her husband, Russ Neuheardt; her parents, Betty and Walt Martinson; and her brothers, Bruce and Jerris Martinson.

A vigil with the recitation of the Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, at St. Thomas The Apostle Church. Rite of committal will be at Holy Cross Cemetery following mass. A lunch gathering will be held in celebration of Donna’s life at St. Thomas the Apostle Church following the burial.

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1001 Alderson Avenue
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