Not one to ever quit, she only left us when God gave her no other choice. With her loving husband and children at her side, Donna was taken from us on October 7, 2021.
Donna Jean Foss was born June 24, 1955, to John Edwin and Nona Mae Wolfinger Foss. She was the sixth born of nine children. At five pounds, ten ounces, and nineteen inches long, she was petite but long. She had her dad’s height and her Mom’s dark hair and eyes. Aunt Teenie would say Donna was her dad’s favorite. She loved growing up in a large family in Mahoney Acres. Some of her favorite memories were when she and her siblings would “borrow” flowers and garden vegetables from the neighbors. They also enjoyed sneaking into the drive-in from time to time. Donna’s life took a sad turn when the tight-knit Foss family lost their sister Marilyn Lee in a tragic accident. Brother Bill was severely injured in the same accident. Four years later, the family lost Nona to illness. Donna opted to care for her younger siblings as opposed to finishing high school.
Carrying yellow roses and white daisies, Donna married Christopher Harry Burrell on May 3, 1974. She gained twin daughters Coleena and Christina in their union. Chrissy remembers watching her comb her long dark hair, and Cleeny remembers Mom naming their favorite recipes after them. Donna enjoyed dressing the twins alike and putting their hair in pigtails to look like her.
Chris and Donna had Kima Lee in September of nineteen seventy-five. She would often take her to softball games when Donna played with family and friends. She played a tough third base. A talent she passed on to granddaughter Caroline, who became an all-state third baseman. Steven Harry came next. Donna loved his caring heart and his love of nature and the outdoors. He always made sure Mom was stocked with huckleberries and wild game. John Christopher was the baby. She loved his fun and tenacious personality and how he kept her on her toes. If she wasn’t careful, he would climb her plants or hide money and toys in Chris’s work boots at every opportunity. Mother-in-law Donna said Donna Jean was the best mother she has ever known.
Chris and Donna raised their three children in Libby until they graduated from high school. During that time, Donna completed her GED and also received her accounting degree. She was Little League President and oversaw the building of a large two-story concession stand for the program. Donna co-owned Collision Clinic and sold her share when she and Chris moved to Helena.
They moved to be close to Kyle and Kima and their grandchildren Cole, Caroline, Kaedin, and Kamrin. Steven and granddaughter Shelby joined the family there soon after. John moved his family to Helena, where it remained their base while he was enlisted in the Army and deployed multiple times. Donna was incredibly proud of John’s distinguished military service and the sacrifices he made for his family. She found great comfort in having Wyatt and Weston close during that challenging time. As the family grew, she gained granddaughters Emma and Abigail and grandson William. Then came daughter-in-law Jane and two more grandsons Jack and Joe. She felt blessed to have all her grandchildren in Helena, where they grew up close to each other. She was very proud of her newest role of GG to her great-grandchildren Rylee, Cash, and Walker. In Helena, Donna completed her second degree in Network Architecture. She worked several years for Glacier Bancorp. Inc. in the data center before moving to the Helena School District, where she remained until her passing. She loved her work and being close to the many students, coaches, and teachers she had come to know through her job at the May Butler Center and her grandchildren who attended school in the district.
Donna never missed an event or opportunity to celebrate special occasions or make you feel loved. Always the supportive sports mom and grandma, she attended every game and activity she possibly could. Donna’s family was her life and greatest achievement. She will look to Chris, her beloved husband of forty-seven years, to carry on this legacy.
She is preceded in death by her parents John and Nona, sister Marilyn, sister Baby Girl Foss, half-sister Sheila DuPuis, and sister-in-law Karen Foss. Donna is survived by her husband Christopher Burrell; children Kima Rosling (Kyle), Steve Burrell, John Burrell (Jane), and step-children Coleena Burrell, and Christina Fanter (Jeff); grandchildren Cole, Caroline, Kaedin, Kamrin Rosling (Kima), Shelby, Emma, Abigail, and William Burrell (Steve), Wyatt, Weston, Jack, and Joe Burrell (John), Brady Adams (Coleena), Bridger Fanter (Christina); great-grandchildren Rylee, Walker, and Cash (Shelby); Mother-in-law Donna Pattie Burrell Asbridge; Siblings Bill, Lana Howe (Bud), Dick Foss, Kenny Foss (Kathy), Kathy Craigmile (John), and Bruce Foss (Judy); and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Libby Christian Church located at 100 Kootenai River Road, Libby, Montana.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Blair Fjeseth says
Donna was a terrific woman. Over the years she was always so kind to my family and I. Her smile lit up a room. She had a way about her- as if to make another feel comfortable or “home”.
McCoy Family says
Donna had a rare strength that bonded her family in love and faith. She was the ultimate mom, caring not only for her own but all those around her. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren embody her spirit. We will remember her kindness, her serenity, and her devotion to her beautiful family.
Melanie Rasor says
To all of Donna’s family:
We were so shocked to see this sad news and are so very sorry for your loss! Both Bill and I enjoyed working with Donna at the school district. Keep her spirit alive by sharing all your cherished memories of her. May she Rest In Peace!
Melanie and Bill Rasor
Nikki J Johnson says
Dear Burrell Family- I had the privilege of working with Donna for 10 years at the May Butler Center. From our first meeting I knew she cherished her family. She was always willing to assist me at work with kindness and laughter. I am so very sorry for this huge loss. Sincerely- Nikki Johnson
John Barnett says
My condolences to the entire family, I knew Donna, Chris, Ken, and sister Cathy from high school. I am very sorry for your loss. May you rest in peace Donna. John And Kathy Barnett/Bengtson
John and Lolita Carter says
We have known Donna many years through HPS. Donna was the nicest, most caring lady. We were very sad to hear of her passing. Sending love to her family. She will be dearly missed by so many.
John and Lolita Carter
Crystal Gray says
Very sad to hear of Donna’s passing. She was always so helpful and kind. I would start my calls with its Crystal the pest again, we would just laugh and she would reassure me I wasn’t a pest. Amazing person, very kind. Peace to your family during this difficult time. Until we meet again. 😇
PJ Vincent says
Donna was always such a sweet, caring person. I enjoyed working with her on all things Softball and Baseball. So very sad to hear of her passing, the Lord got a good one. Condolences to the entire family.
Susan and Rich Proul says
Chris and family, there are no words we can say to help ease the pain you are going through with the loss of your wife and mom but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in eternal peace.
Kathleen says
So sorry for the loss of such a caring woman. 🙏 of comfort for family.
Chris Ralph says
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Donna. We have known and loved our “Libby” family even we moved to Helena. It was great to talk with Donna when IChris(she) would go to the central office and we would chat about libby. Heartfelt love to you all.❤️
Chris & Chris Ralph
Jane Shawn says
What an incredible lady! Always had a smile for everyone, and loved to share about her children and grandchildren. RIP Donna, you will be missed here on earth! Jane
Angie Ford says
I know all of your hearts are as broken as ours. We will miss Donna so, so much in the Business Office. My past 7 years working side by side with her have been such a blessing. Her legacy is the love she had for her family. She taught me to cherish what time I have with my own loved ones as we never know when that time is up. I am a better person having had the blessing of Donna’s friendship. We will forever cherish the memories we have and will miss her terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Virginia says
Donna was in my life for a very long time and I have many memories with her that I am very blessed to have. She was the best Grandma to our children and always made it a point to be at all their sporting events and side things they did. Her love and support for her family was her greatest quality. She would do anything for them all and go to the ends of the earth for each and everyone of them. Her love for Chris was undeniable and true. Loved listening to them bicker with each other but knowing at the end of the day they had each other’s back and their love was strong. I know she will also be truely missed by her coworkers where she worked for a very long time and they became family. I can’t say enough for what she has done and been to the kids and I. We will cherish our memories with you forever. God bless all her family and friends during this difficult time. God Speed Donna may your RIP and fly high.
Michelle says
Burrell family and all that loved Donna, we are a group of fortunate people who have been touched by a beautiful person. Donna cherished her family and was so generous and kind. I miss her smile and quick wit. She was comic relief in our office in addition to being a friend and confidant. My heart is broken for us all and I am sure we will need each other to navigate this journey. Chris- thank you for sharing Donna with us- You are truly the love of her life. I’m sure Donna’s advice for us would come from Joshua 1:9, “… Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Dan Lamphere says
I have known Donna since she came to work for the school district business office. Over the years I came to realize and appreciate Donna’s sense of humor and great empathy for others. Donna clearly and sincerely lived her faith. We have lost a genuinely good person.
Jim says
To the Burrell family: So sorry to hear about Donna. Had such great years working with her on Libby/Troy Babe Ruth Baseball. Traveling around for All Stars with the kids were so much fun. Donna was a great organizer. She always took good care of us.
The Baillie family, Jim,DeeAyn, Bryce, Deisa and Clay.
Allison says
Our work grandma 😢💔 Donna was the realist person there could be & I am going to miss her so much. From the day I started over five years ago she was always so good to me. I feel like I know your family personally, she was always telling us stories! It was so clear how proud she was of everyone & how much she loved you all 🤍