Donna Jean Greene
On Wednesday morning, June 1, 2016 we lost our beloved Donna. The most caring, understanding, hard working woman, wife, mother, sister, aunt & grandma there was.
She was born Donna Jean Rude on October 9, 1953 in Gilbert, Minnesota to Arthur G. and Marian I. (Edevold) Rude. Donna came to Montana as a child, received her education in Helena graduating from Helena High School in 1972. In high school she had a nick name of “Twiggy” and was a very attractive young lady, her brother Dean received a lot of teasing, and loved it from his classmates about his sister.
In November of 1978, Donna married Richard D. Greene in Colorado. They were blessed with three boys: Nikia, Richard and Jason. In her working career, Donna worked as a waitress, worked for Erby and Wipf Construction and with her husband in the flooring and carpet laying business.
Donna was a genuine cowgirl at heart. Her favorite hobbies and activities were fencing, horses, puppies, work and her boys.
Donna was very simple person and chose a rugged way of life built of character and strong values. She was a devoted wife, and mother. Other than her family, her passion was working, training and riding horses that stems back to her childhood with her dad and sister. She was a certified reining trainer which she earned working from Anderson Training Stables in Wilsall, Montana. Donna was a perfectionist in all she did. Her commitment and dedication to her family and work ethic was always present. She was there to listen and give counsel to those who asked. She was tough but fair and lived each day with courage. To her family she was the foundation and was the real deal.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Marian Rude and son, Richard Greene, Jr. She is survived by her two sons, Nikia (April) Greene, Jason (Casey) Greene; siblings, Dean (Nancy) Rude, Darcy (Rude) Hazen, Darryle (Shiela) Rude; grandchildren, Taylar Greene, Mason Greene, Kayden Greene, Gavin Greene, Hope Greene and one niece to be born soon, Ronin Perros. Donna is also survived by a niece, Jennell (Nick) Hazen Perros, whom Donna considered to be the daughter she never had born to her; and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
A memorial celebration of Donna’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2016 at the family ranch, 135 Duck Creek Road in Townsend. A pot luck reception will be held in the arena at the ranch immediately following the memorial. The family would like to express a special thanks to the nurses of the Oncology Unit at the Cancer Treatment Center at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena.
Memorials in Donna’s name are suggested to the Broadwater Horse Rescue Fund, C/O Sheriff Wynn Meehan; 519 Broadway Street Townsend, Montana 59644.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 11, 2016
Greene Family Ranch
135 Duck Creek Road
Townsend, Montana` 59644
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 11, 2016
Greene Family Ranch
135 Duck Creek Road
Townsend, Montana` 59644
Della Dobbins says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Donna was a very beautiful lady.
Rhonda Simmons says
I’m very saddened to read of Donna’s passing. She was such a “real” person, with a ready smile, a warm heart, and a genuineness that I always appreciated. When Rich & Donna worked for me, I could always count on their work ethic and honesty. I will sure miss seeing that sweet lady at random places in town. I’m sorry for the family’s loss of such a great, strong lady.
Kristy Gilbert & Ken Fitte says
Jennell, Darcy & Family,
We are so very sorry & saddened by the passing of Donna. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Ron and Kathy Stacey says
Oh the sweet memories. She was the real deal. She taught me so much about riding a horse. She had no fear. She lined them out then you could ride them. She loved with her whole heart. Always a smile of welcome. Made you feel like you were the most important person to her. My prayers go to her loved ones. So very sorry for your loss. She loves you all so much. Now she will look down on us and help from heaven. I know she will be missed.
Kathy Stacey
Connie Vergine says
We send our most sincere condolences to your entire family. Losing a dear one is so very hard, and when that loss comes unexpectedly too soon,, even worse. We are sending our thoughts and prayers for all of you at this sad time. May God bless you and give you peace.
Connie Vergine and Nick Crawford
Kathy, Butch Kroll says
We are so sorry and truly saddened by the loss of Donna. She was a friend for many, many years. A truly genuine and generous woman. She will be missed.
Patricia Rogers Glisson says
Very sad to read of Donna’s passing. We had several classes together in High School. I have fond memories of sharing stories with her in Sophomore English at Sunhaven. Prayers for all of the family!
Carla Allen says
Rip Donna prayers to our family
Angela Sutherland, Ethan, Luke, & Garrett says
We are so very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Aunt Jan let us know. As Cousins living far apart I never had the opportunity to know Donna but always heard lovely things about her. Our heartfelt condolences to the family. We are thinking of you all. Angela Sutherland, Ethan, Luke, & Garrett, Waxhaw NC
Gladys and Roger Edvenson says
Our hearts ache back in Minnesota for the loss of our beautiful Niece Donna, living so far away did not see Donna much, but always heard great things about her and she was special! She will so be missed by all her Family! Sending the Family sympathy, prayers, love, rest in Peace Donna!
Vicki Barbeau says
I can’t believe Donna is gone. She will be missed always. She was hard working wonderful woman. Always devoted to her family, a great friend.
Vicki Kaiser Willert says
So very very sorry to read of Donnas passing. I have lots of fond, special memories of the times our families spent together and the crazy things we did as kids. My thoughts and prayers are with you Dean, Darcy and Darryle and your families.
Bob Pennington says
Jennell, Darcy and family. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. you are all in my prayers.
Kelly Schroeder Rhimer says
My thoughts and prayers to the Rude/Greene families. What a very sad loss. Darcy and Janell keep your family close as you always have. What wonderful and beautiful memories. My love to you all!!
Donald W Wood says
Richard it is with sad heart that I pray for you and your family at this sad time Donna was a special lady and friend from many years back so sad for your loss may you and yours be at peace as she now is and no longer hurting I loved her a long time ago and have very fond memories of her today and always once again sorry for you loss and MAY GOD BLESS Don Wood
Kryss Kuntz says
Darcy,
AWWWWW darlin’ my heart hurts with ya! What a beautiful sister, and friend. May her memories hold you close at night and always remain in your heart forever and ever. Please know if there is anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m always good for a hug! Take care and God Bless you and your family during this time of loss.
kathie roos says
Nikia, Darryle, and families,
I don’t know what else to say, other than I’m so sorry for your loss and that I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and shalom..