Donna Gatton

Donna Gatton

Donna Gatton
October 20, 1925 – August 17, 2017
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 91

Donna Naomi Gatton, 91, of Oskaloosa, died Thursday, August 17, 2017, at the Northern Mahaska Nursing and Rehab. Center in Oskaloosa. She was born October 20, 1925, near New Sharon, the daughter of Milton and Faye Hildebrand Stutzman.

Donna graduated from Lacey High School with the class of 1943.

On August 15, 1943, she was united in marriage to Robert Gatton at Lacey, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Ronald, Dixie, and David.

Donna and Bob farmed together in Mahaska County. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, homemaker, and farmwife. Donna and Bob moved into Oskaloosa in 1975.

While living on the farm they were active members of the Indianapolis Christian Church, where Donna was involved in all aspects of church life. When the two of them moved into Oskaloosa they became devoted members of the Oskaloosa First Christian Church. She continued to be active in the church serving as an Elder and was a Past President of C.W.F., active in Friendship Circle of King’s Daughters, Altrusa, and past president of Church Women United. She served as the Secretary of the Iowa Porkettes, and on the committee that named the “Iowa Chop” in the early 1970’s.

Donna gave selflessly of her time and talents to many organizations in the community. She was known for her homemade pies. Donna and Bob looked forward to traveling to see family, particularly to attend a grandchild’s event. Fishing trips to Canada with their children and grandchildren are cherished memories for the family.

Though Parkinson’s disease created some limitations for Donna, her strength, courage, and hope, allowed her to remain active with her family and in the community. Her poise and determination were an inspiration to those around her. In 2011, Donna moved into the Northern Mahaska Nursing and Rehab. Center in Oskaloosa. Her kind spirit and positive attitude made it easy for her to form friendships with her nurses and caregivers. Her family is grateful to the staff there for the care and compassion they displayed while caring for Donna.

Her family includes her husband of over 74 years, Robert Gatton of Oskaloosa; three children and their spouses: Ronald (& Leslie) Gatton of Chicago, Dixie (& Philip) Meyer of Fenton, Iowa, and David Gatton (& Jillian McNamara) of McLean, Virginia; nine grandchildren: Molly (& Dave) Kresin, Nathan (& Brenda) Meyer, Damien (& Anne) Meyer, Lenore (& Nick) Brahm, Donna Jo “D.J” (& Josh) Purviance, Byron Gatton, Averell Gatton, Karlin Gatton, and Sophia Gatton; and ten great grandchildren.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Doris Mark.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 21, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa with Reverends Tim Johnson, Robert Goodrich, and Molly Goodrich officiating.
Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Sunday after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 2-5 Sunday afternoon to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church or Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donna Gatton please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.

Posted by on Aug 18 2017. Filed under Obituaries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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