"So sorry for the loss of Donita. She was a special lovely lady with a knack for making everyone welcome. Our paths crossed long ago, but she has remained a shining star in our minds since. I only now discovered that we also shared PEO."
In loving memory of
Donita V. Fatland
February 1, 1929 - January 7, 2012
Donita Verdere Hendricks Fatland, 82, died Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the Colfax Methodist Church, 7 S. Locust Street, Colfax, Iowa. Burial will immediately follow the service at the Colfax Cemetery. Visitation will precede the funeral at the Methodist Church at 10:00 am until the start of services.
Donita was born to Ted and Sophia Ellen (Floyd) Hendricks on February 1, 1929 in Scranton, Iowa. A vivacious teenager, Donita graduated from Jefferson High School, Jefferson Iowa in 1946. She went on to complete courses in nurses training at Mercy Hospital Training School in Des Moines, Iowa. It was during this time that she met John Fatland. John and Donita were married in Jefferson, Iowa, October 31, 1948. At the completion of John's medical training and military commitments they settled in Des Moines, Iowa and raised a large family. Donita was active in Des Moines Public School District planning and parent-teacher organizations. She served as President of the Polk County Medical Society Auxiliary and was fifty year member of PEO. In 1990, after John retired from medical practice, he and Donita relocated to John's childhood hometown of Colfax, Iowa. She was a member of the Colfax United Methodist Church. Donita, affectionately Dory, had a keen love and appreciation for all things living. Her irrepressible spirit and joy of life was infectious and inspirational to all who had the privilege of knowing, loving and being loved by her.
Those left to honor her memory include her husband John, now residing at Ramsey Village, Des Moines; her children Tamara Blair of Iowa City, James Todd Fatland and his wife Linda of West Des Moines, Tracy Fatland of Mitchellville, Heidi Fatland and her husband Jeffrey Eaton of Madison, WI, and Lars Fatland and his wife Karen of Des Moines, Iowa. Donita is also survived by nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren, her sister Meredith Myers of Iowa City, her sister-in-law Mary Anne Hendricks of Clear Lake, Iowa and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James Hendricks and her infant son. Memorials may be directed to University of Iowa Foundation in support of Department of Ophthalmology, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, Iowa, 52244 or Jasper County Hospice, Newton, Iowa.
Tributes
"I was so sorry to hear of Donita's passing. She was such a joy to visit with and such a loving and supportive grandmother to Donita Grace. My condolences to Dr. Fatland, Tracy and Donita. Mary Jo Bartels"
"How sad. This funny, loving lady was so good to me. As I think about it, probably good to several people at the same time with each feeling special. I remember best being welcomed home from Viet Nam at a time when this was not celebrated. Such a loss to so many people. My best to John"
"Many fond memories of the Fatland family ... July of 1930 , Father Lazarus, Mother Sarah Johns and when I moved to Colfax. On that very day Kathryn came down the hill west of their home to 101 Spring St to introduce herself to me .. friends forever...I missed seeing John at the banquet last spring but called and talked to both Donita and John a few days later. (Such a beautiful girl) So many memories , so many hours of MUSIC in the Fatland home My love to ALL the family. "
"So sorry to hear of Donita's passing. She was a lovely lady. Always had a smile. She hosted a lovely bridal shower for me, and Mark & I are still together after 34 years!"
"Sorry to hear of Donita's passing. The four of us worked with Dr. Fatland at Central Iowa Urology. We send our prayers and thoughts to him and his family at this time. Sondra & Wayne Fleming, Sandy Smith, Carolyn Conner"
"To all the family my deepest sympathay. Donita was a wonderful person and love by all of us. Linda Pierce, William & Sandy Pierce"
"Dr., Tracy & Donita Grace: My heart goes out to you at this most difficult time. I only knew Donita for about 10 yrs but I know her family met the world to her. You 3 took such good care of her the last few years. She is up with Eleanor now listening to Eleanor tinkling the keys. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time"