Donna L. White 87, passed away at Wesley Acres in Des Moines, IA March 19, 2022. She was born to Fay and Mamie Kline on June 7, 1934. She shared her grandmother Bertha Kline's birthday, of which she was so proud of, as she loved her grandma. She lived in Creston until she married Gordon White in 1954. They later divorced. She had one sister, Sheryl, who is married to Reid McNally. They had one daughter Erin and reside in Houston, TX. Erin is married to Cory Brown and resides in Cottonwood Shores, Texas.
Donna had 3 children, Deb (Winston, GA) Jim (Mary) The Villages, FL and Kris. Kris proceeded her in death June 5, 2020. She graduated from Creston High School in 1952. She worked at the Safeway grocery and at a dentist office in Creston Iowa. She also worked for a dentist in Des Moines and retired from Super Valu. She met the love of her life, Al Zentner there. They were together for years and traveled and thoroughly enjoyed life.
After retiring, she worked at her favorite profession of all, being a nanny. Give her a child and a rocking chair, that was all she needed. She loved children, especially babies and touched the lives of many with her magical nannying abilities. She loved each and everyone of her charges.
Our mom loved people. Although she faced many bumps in her own life, she was always positive and supportive of others when they had a triumph. She was the best cheerleader. She loved life. She said many times over, "I may never be rich financially, but I will always be abundantly rich in friends."
Her favorite times were when her kitchen, around the kitchen table, was full of family and friends. All talking at once with laughter raising the roof off of the house.
Her home was open to everyone. She housed many of our friends in her basement and was mom to one and all.
She loved ice cream, margaritas and a glass of Pinot Grigio. Her favorite beverage was coffee. Many coffee pots were worn out at her house, it was always on.
She had a wonderful laugh and brilliant smile; she would light up the room with it. Throw her head back and laugh all over. She was a good listener and incredibly wise.
She is survived by her sister Sheryl and family, Deb, Jim and Mary. Grandsons Alex (Jessica) and Nick White. Niece Erin Brown. Step grandchildren Karissa and Kylar Zentner. And a multitude of friends. She loved you all. And we loved her.
There will be a celebration of life Saturday August 20, 2022, at the Urbandale Senior Center, 7305 Aurora in Urbandale. It will be from 11:00am-2:00pm. On Sunday, August 21, at 11:00am, her remains will be released to the Heavens, at Jerusalem Church, the Evergreen cemetery. Located at 1103 Joshua Ave. Creston, IA. Light lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church in Des Moines. To any Woman's Domestic violence center/safe house, or to a food pantry.
Donna was generous to a fault. These things were very important to her.
Mom, you are and will be so missed. We love you always. Furiously! Although we miss you so, we are glad you are free and healed. Able to walk and spread your love untethered by anything. Until we meet again mom, Deb and Jim and all.