Dona K. Hill, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on March 18, 2018, days after celebrating her 90th birthday.
Dona was born to Dorothy (Jaek) and Nathan Kamerad on March 13, 1928 in Kenosha, Wis. She was an only child, but grew up with her cousins Pat and Doris Petersen who were like sisters to her. In 1946, Dona courageously headed west to Helena, enrolling at Carroll College to pursue nursing. She went on to receive her R.N. certification and worked as a pediatric nurse at St. John’s Hospital.
In 1951, Dona married Ross Ingman, a Helena (Marysville) native. They had three children, Rosslyn, Gary and Rodney, before his death in 1965. Dona spent the next decade as a single parent, working full time for the Montana Department of Labor. Her strength and independence during this time were remarkable. On a blind date arranged by mutual friends in 1972, Dona met Robert “Ted” Hill. They married the following summer and were blessed with 45 years together.
Dona had a beautiful singing voice and proudly played double bass with the Helena Symphony. Following her retirement, she volunteered for Shodair Children’s Hospital and Good Samaritan Ministries, and remained very active physically and mentally (there wasn’t a Sudoku she couldn’t handle!). A talented seamstress, Dona created many heirlooms for her family, from quilts, to costumes and Christmas stockings.
Dona was a kind, graceful, and giving person who thought of others before thinking of herself. She was always there for her family, with quiet encouragement and intelligent advice in any situation. She loved flowers blooming in the spring, watching a baseball game, spending time with her family and friends, and her mini schnauzers. She will be greatly missed.
Dona is survived by her husband Ted of Helena, her daughter Rosslyn (Joe) Duncan of Helena, and their children Amanda and Tyler, son Gary (Denise) of Helena and their children Ross and Kristen, and son Rod (Doreen) and their children Taylor and Garrett of Santa Monica, Calif.; best friends Myrna and Jack Smith of Helena; Ted’s sister Barbara (Dusty) Young of Lima, Ohio; and several close and loving cousins, nephews and nieces and their families.
At Dona’s request, no services will be held. Memorials may be made in her name to Shodair Children’s Hospital (www.shodair.org), PO Box 5539, Helena, MT 59604, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer condolences or share a memory of Dona.
Dona’s family members would like to extend their sincere appreciation to staff at St. Peter’s Hospital and to the dedicated caregivers and therapists at Big Sky Health Care Community.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Sandra Jarvie says
I was so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I did not know her well but for several years we were in the same ‘Stretch and Strength’ class at the Broadwater Athletic Club! She was always cheerful and greeted everyone with a smile.
Lisa Murphy (DeFord) says
I’m sorry to learn of your mother’s passing Rod. Thinking of you and your family.