"I was one of the recipients of MANY of the cards from Donna the "Card Lady". They meant a great deal to me as I recovered and was unable to attend FUMC services. Thank you so much, Donna. You will indeed be missed. God Bless. "
In loving memory of
Donna Marie Messenger
December 28, 1925 - February 6, 2022
Donna Marie (Cooper) Messenger was born in Mondamin, IA on December 28, 1925, the daughter of John W. and Mary Orcine (Niles) Cooper. Donna graduated from Mondamin High School in 1944. She married Dale Messenger on August 28, 1946 in Mondamin. Dale and Donna farmed in the Pisgah area until 1954 when they moved to Clarinda where Dale operated Skelly gas stations in Braddyville and Clarinda. Donna was the bookkeeper for the gas stations as well as being employed at the Clarinda Chamber of Commerce.
After the family moved to Ames in 1969, Donna worked at the Campus Book Store and was involved with the First United Methodist Church, working with the prayer chain, church library and for many years was the "Card Lady" for the church. She was also a longtime member of the Questers in Ames.
Donna and Dale enjoyed Iowa State University athletics, extensive traveling, church activities and spending time with their four boys and their families.
Donna is survived by her four sons, Richard, LeRoy (Sheryl), Keith (Peanut), and Doug (Dee), as well as granddaughter Tamar (Jesse) McCunniff and six grandsons, David (Colleen), Michael (Kristina), Matthew (Margaret), Ryan, Cooper (Kelsey) and Carson (Hannah). She is also survived by 20 great grandchildren and sister Myrna Cooper. She was preceded in death by her husband Dale, brother Harold, sisters Mary Ada and Beverly, and parents John and Mary.
Graveside services will be held at a future date at the Magnolia, IA cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church in Ames.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Aunt Donna had the greatest laugh! She will be missed."
"I will always remember her warm hugs. She will be greatly missed."
"Awww, such sad news, I was lucky enough to meet her and Dale in my mail carrying days. Always a gentle smile and sweet hello if she happened to be outside. My sincere condolences to family and friends "
"Our prayers and sympathy to the family. Donna was a wonderful woman. I have good remembrance of Quester events and discussions with her about antiques... She and Dale were active members at FUMC and we enjoyed worship and coffee with them. Great memories with warm friends. Jackie and Ron Smith"