Donna Lee DeMers July 25th 1933- May 21st 2023
On May 21st we lost the most wonderful caring person. She was loved by all who knew her. Always had a grandmother touch. She dedicated her whole life to family and friends. She was known for all the many wonderful meals she prepared for everyone. (During hunting season, she had a steady flow of people who came to eat and share their hunting stories.)
Donna was born July 25th 1933 in Havre Montana to Gaylord and Dorothy Ross. She was the second oldest of 10 children. Spent her earlier years living in Chinook Montana before moving to Missoula Montana. Her best memories were in Chinook where she helped her dad with the farm.
Donna married Phillip Neil DeMers (Red) in 1949 and had 58 wonderful years together. They loved camping and spending time at their cabin.
They had eight children and raised one grandchild as their own. After Phil passed away Donna moved to Helena where she met many new friends. She joined the YMCA water aerobics class. After Helena she moved to Elkhorn Health and Rehab in Clancy Montana. Enjoyed bingo, dancing, singing and bean toss. (She was called gramma by everyone)
She is survived by (son) George DeMers(grandchildren) Tizer DeMers, Bridger DeMers, and Katy Wright. (son) Phillip (Biancia) DeMers (daughter) Debbie (Ken)Schmaus (grandchildren) George Fussell, Anna Schmaus, Michael Schmaus, Tiffany(Jesse) Kemner, Shane (Kris) Schmaus(son) Mike(Virginia) DeMers (grandchildren) Brittany(Kurt) Davis, Brooks (Jeff) Rudolph, Brandy (Alex) Rintamaki (son) Dan DeMers (grandchildren) Miranda DeMers, Trapper(Sharon) DeMers, Hunter (Sierah) DeMers, McKenzie DeMers, Winter (Pat) Pitsch (daughter) Brenda DeMers (son) Banner(Jodi) DeMers (grandchildren) Andy(Anni) Hooper, Tyrel(Brianna Thompson) DeMers, Talon DeMers, Jubal DeMers. She is also survived by many great grandchildren and 2 great great granddaughters.
Donna is survived by (sister) Barbara Petroff (sister) Roxanna Grenfield,(Drinda Okken (sister) Beverly Croker, (brother) Butch (Pat) Ross (sister) Annette Ross (sister-in-law) Deannie Ramey, (brother-in-law) Pat Harris. Donna is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents Gaylord and Dorothy Ross, (husband) Phillip DeMers (sister) Carla Johnson (sister) Doddie Marquardt (sister) Beanie Harris(daughter) Sadure Stedman, (daughter) Sandy DeMers (granddaughter) Heather Fussell.
Our deepest thanks to Elkhorn Health and Rehab, who took care of Donna in a very loving and caring way. We will be forever grateful.
Services are scheduled for 11: 00 a.m., June 13th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave., in Helena with a reception to follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday June 13, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday June 13, 2023
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday June 13, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday June 13, 2023
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Billie Jo Williams says
Was sorry to hear of the passing of Donna. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time!
Love,
Clay and Billie Jo Williams
Kay DeMers says
Donna DeMers was always there with an open door offering love and support to her family, friends and neighbours. She and Phil were married for 50+ years and held LARGE Family Gatherings at their home and cabin, enjoyed many fishing, hunting and camping trips. On their Alaska trip they fished the Kenai River, the ocean, and took in Denali. Her wealth of experience and kindness will be remembered fondly by all those she knew and loved. Rest in Peace Donna.
Phillip and Bianca DeMers says
What does a son remember about his mom…
– Two million meals were prepared for every person in Montana who passed by our home….
– Dad and I were up on Bluebird Flats and mom was in Missoula, and a gun shot was fired. Who would have believed that mom made the longest elk kill shot on record….
– Grandma Ross, mom, dad and kids in the back of the truck came out of Little Boulder (which there is nothing little about) and “somebody named mom” hit the gas pedal going downhill and us kids were flown out and Grandma Ross never recovered from the Adventures of Little Boulder, as mom hugged her and said, “We are alright”….
– I remember asking mom and dad, “Why did you have so many kids?” Dad’s answer was, “Another elk tag”. I looked at mom and said, “Is that right?” And she said, “Yes” with a loud laughter….
– Mom cried when her house burnt down in Finn Gulch – it was such a beautiful house….
– Everybody called my dad “The Red Lion”, and what mom should have been called was “Mountaineer Mom”….
These are some of the things this son remembers about his dear mother. Mom will be put to rest beside her husband up in the Cataracts.
Her loving son, Phillip
Debbie (Little Debbie) says
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family.
Ted Polette says
My heart goes out to the entire DeMers clan at this sad time. Where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories and may your garden forever bloom.