Obit: Doud, Donna Jean (1935 - 2018)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Doud, Horen, Larson, Leatherman, McGowan, Minnihan, Navarez, Orme, Schercliffe, Swenson

----Source: The Ladysmith News (Ladysmith, WI) 4/06/2018

Doud, Donna Jean (Horen) (21 MAR 1935 - 31 MAR 2018)

Donna Jean Doud, 83, of Ladysmith, and a recent part-time resident of Gilbert, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Hospice of the Valley, in Gilbert, after suffering a stroke.

Donna was born in Augusta, Ga. on March 21, 1935 to Samuel and Pearl Horen. She moved to Ladysmith while in middle school after her father bought the Ladysmith golf course he then renamed Tee-A-Way Country Club. Donna attended Ladysmith High School, where she was active in cheerleading, singing and many other extra-curricular activities, including being voted as an attendant for the traditional homecoming court her senior year.

Donna met her future husband, Jack Doud, while in high school. They were married in Waukon, Iowa, on April 3, 1953. The couple lived in Ladysmith and raised their four children. Donna was a homemaker until her children grew into adults, at which time she ventured out and got a job at the local Dairy Queen where she fell in love with cherry sundaes with a “real” cherry. Later, Donna worked as a clerk for Ditmanson Company in downtown Ladysmith, which later became J&J Apparel where she stayed on and worked until the store closed.

She was a kind, compassionate and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Ladysmith. She loved to do crossword puzzles, read a favorite book, sew, knit and crochet, or do a little gardening at the hobby farm. Her favorite pastime was the old fashioned “coffee klatch” with her friends. Freshly brewed coffee, homemade baked goods or rolls and donuts from the Ladysmith Bakery and friendly conversation would make a perfect afternoon.

A car ride through the countryside with the love of her life, Jack, on a beautiful sunny day to look at a lake, check out a yard sale or just enjoy some fresh air and a stop for a “treat” would also be a fantastic way to spend a day. Ice skating, a snowmobile trail ride or cross country skiing with friends and then hot chocolate and something sweet to eat would create very special memories.

Donna is survived by her four children, Vicki Orme of Ladysmith Mark (Jean) Doud of Phoenix, Ariz., Tammy (Rick) Leatherman of Gilbert, Ariz. and Blake (Julie Hoyt) Doud of Ladysmith; her seven grandchildren, Elipio Alan Orme, Lauren Doud, Morgan Doud, Josh Larson, Brandon Larson, Zachary Larson and Baylee Rae Doud; her four step-grandchildren, Christopher Leatherman, Corey Minnihan, Amanda Navarez and Emily McGowan and her great-grandchildren, Preston Larson, Khloe Larson and Brooklyn Larson.

Donna has five surviving siblings, Richard Horen, Carol Horen, Wilma Schercliffe, Bonnie Swenson and Michael Horen.

Her loving husband, Jack, preceded her in death in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Dennis, and her son-in-law, Alan Orme.

A memorial gathering will be held by Donna’s family in June.