On Monday May 8, 2023, Donna Anderson a loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away in her home at the age of 75. Donna was born in Helena Montana on August 15, 1947, to Lester and Lorraine Belville. Donna was the youngest of three children, her brother Leon Belville and sister Sharon Miles. Donna was preceded in death by her father, mother, and sister Sharon.
Donna grew up in Helena, Mt and went to Central Elementary School, Helena Junior High, and Helena High School where she graduated in 1966. She married Bob Anderson on August 24, 1966. Donna and Bob had two children, Gina Stelter and Bob Anderson Jr. They have three grandchildren Elise Stelter, Kayla, and Gavin Anderson.
In 1967 Donna and Bob spent five years in the US Air Force as Bob was a pilot. They were stationed at Williams Air Force Base in Chandler, Arizona and at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio Texas where Donna saw lots of spiders and snakes.
In 1973 Bob left the service and they moved back to Helena. Donna worked as a Teacher’s Assistant in the Helena School District at Lincoln and Four Georgians Elementary Schools from 1976 until 1998. She loved working and caring for the school kids, and they loved her. The kids always called her “Mrs. A.” Even after she retired, her former students would always stop her on the street or in the store to give Mrs. A an enthusiastic “Hello!” or big hug.
Donna and Bob loved Helena and had a wide group of friends. She took up golf later in life and enjoyed playing with her friends at Bill Roberts Golf Course. They had a group of friends who would golf on Friday afternoons and then go out to dinner. They went on several road trips to different golf courses in Montana and Idaho. She really enjoyed golfing and being with her friends.
Donna enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake. From 2005-2020 they spent several months in Palm Desert California during the winter months. One of Donnas greatest loves was her little puppy named Shasta. From 1982 until 1998 she spent a lot of her time taking care of and loving Shasta.
Love of family was Donna’s guiding value. She was more than happy to be a central figure in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Anyone that knew them knew she was a star in their eyes and that’s all that ever mattered to her. She was a good-hearted person who truly loved her family. The love and caring she exhibited during her life will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
A service celebrating Donna’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023 at Jorgenson’s Inn and Suites (Ramada Inn) 1714 11th Ave in Helena. In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite charity.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
4:00 p.m.
Friday June 23, 2023
Jorgenson's Inn and Suites
1714 11th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
4:00 p.m.
Friday June 23, 2023
Jorgenson's Inn and Suites
1714 11th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
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Vicki Duncan says
Bobby and family. I am so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Know you are in my thoughts.
Vanessa Tolson says
Bob & family, so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Chuck and Vanessa
Pete Hartman says
Bob and family, so sorry to hear about Donna. She was always a fun and perky lady. I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
wayne kovick says
BOB, I AM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DONNA. SHE WAS JUST A VERY GOOD PERSON. ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND A KIND WORD. PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Linda Cameron says
Bob, Bobby and Gina, My prayers and condolences to all of you. I was stunned when hearing about Donna. She ALWAYS put a smile on my face and made me feel so good after sharing both laughs and sadness. RIP my dear friend Donna — I am going to miss you
Suame says
Bob and family, I was so sorry to learn that Donna passed away. She was a complicated person but down deep she had a heart of gold. We will miss her very very much. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time with deepest sympathy, Diane Pedersen.
Sherryl Vaughn says
Bob and family, my heart hurts for all of you. I feel your loss and understand your pain. May Donna rest in peace.
Jim and Sally says
So sad to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. RIP Donna. Gone to soon.
Jeffrey Cory says
Bob and Bob Jr so sorry to hear about Donna, knew her since childhood. Paula and I thinking of you
Jena Anderson says
So sorry for your loss, may your memories and her spunky spirit help you through this difficult time. We will miss seeing Donna at the Mother Lode! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Clint and Jena Anderson
Jim Phillips says
Bob,
My condolences to you and family. Donna will be missed. I remember her as a very kind and caring person!
Take care.
Aunt Shirley Belville says
Sorry for your loss Bob, Bobby Jr and Gina. I will miss talking with her on the phone. I remember when Donna was a little girl and then she grew up into a beautiful woman. I will miss her spunkiness and not talking criticism from anyone. She was my special niece!
Brian and Jean Peacock says
Dear Bob and family, our thoughts and prayers to you and may your fond memories be of help to you. Brian and Jean Peacock.
Larry Sem says
For Bob and family, my heart is saddened by the sudden news of Donna’s passing. She was so fun and sweet every time I had the pleasure of talking with her. I will miss her as will a trove of her friends. RIP Donna.
Dan Belville says
My deepest condolences for your loss. My cousin Donna was one of a kind. She was born a Belville and remained so until the end in her independence and strength. I first met Donna when she was about ten and I was one. Donna and her sister Sherry would entertain me in the back yard of Grandpa and Grandma Belville’s farm house under the Montana blue skies in the Bitterroot Valley. Back then she was nicknamed Donnie. For the first part of my life I knew her as “Donnie and Sherry” because she and her sister were always together and the names rhymed to a small child. God knows I loved Donna and Sherry both. I will always remember my cous for her beauty and beautiful spirit. I never was near her where she was not a light to everyone. Heavenly Father, I pray that you bless and comfort all Anderson’s, Belville’s, Hancock’s and friends who were fortunate enough to know this sweet angel.
Tom Naegele says
Bob & Bobby Jr. prayers of Support on your loving loss. What a fine Friend & Lady I will truly miss seeing and sharing a laugh or chat with her. God Bless her Soul and RIP Donna 😢🙏🙏. Tom
Marilyn Burns says
Bobby,
I am so saddened for you and your family. The sudden loss of your Donna is shocking, and you are in my thoughts. Prayers too, for comfort from your legion of friends who care for you, and for your pain to turn to smiles at the lifetime of memories you made together. I remember Donna as a beautiful young girl when you first got together, and a fun and spunky lady the times I met her at class reunions. Much love from your old classmate and neighbor.
Nikki Johnson says
Bob Jr. and family- Dean and I wish to send our deepest condolences for the loss of your mom. Please take care and know we are thinking of you.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
We are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing and will be keeping the Anderson family in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy Trevor says
we lived on Calif. St near the Anderson’s. Donna and I often drank Shasta’s together. Bobby played a lot with our son Tyler. Later Donna and I were friends at Lincoln and Four Georgians. She was so pretty and friendly. In our lives we rarely find such kindness and true friendship.Thank you Donna Rest in Peace
Deb Peterson says
Bob little Bob and Gina. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Donna. Pete and I loved visiting with you guys at Jorgensons. You are in my thoughts and prayers ❣️
Karen Roberts Johnston says
Dear Bob and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Donna and I went to school together at Central, Helena Jr High and HHS. I remember her as outgoing, always with a smile and sense of humor. She was kind to everyone. I enjoyed seeing her at class reunions and a very special Christmas with the Anderson family on Hayes Street. I also remember you, Bob, playing basketball with my cousin Gary Eathorne. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen (Roberts) Johnston
Betty Hart says
Donna, My long time friend, I will miss you. I will always remember the fun we had working at Four Georgians school, our Fridays at the Hofbrau playing keno and our many trips to the mall for shopping and coffee. We laughed so much. We were still laughing at each other the last time we had lunch. A part of my heart is with you now. Love you forever my friend. Kiss Shasta for me.
Hugs and love Bob, Gina and Bob Jr. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jill and Don says
Bobby and family, we are so sorry for your loss! May peace be with you all during this moment of sadness. REST IN PEACE DONNA 🙏
Carol (Tucker) Henderson says
Bob and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Bob, it seems like I have known you forever. Actually, I guess I have, but still, at times like this it is so hard to know what to say. Donna was such a lovely and fun girl, I wasn’t at all surprised when you got married. It was meant to be. Please know, I am keeping all your family in my prayers.
Mark says
Mrs. A was the most amazing aide and playground assistant. There wasn’t a moment that Mrs. A didn’t have kids following her around on the playground. As teens, we used to sneak back to 4Gs once in a while just to say hello to the amazing Mrs. A. She never forgot the thousands of students whom she made contact with. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Kalli Kind says
Bob, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I have wonderful memories of Mrs. A at 4G’s. We all loved your mom and would spend our recesses following Mrs. A & Mrs. H everywhere. I will remember her with Farrah Fawcett hair and beautiful blue eye shadow. Sending you all so much love.
John Cherie Dahl says
Bob, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of the family on the passing of Donna 🙏
Duke and Janine Miller says
Bob, we are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. You are in our thoughts.
Dana Koon says
Such a lovely human being inside and out. She was a staple of mine on the playground at 4 Georgians. Later (much later) in life I saw her getting her hair done and I lit up like a Christmas tree. She looked the same, sounded the same and hugged even better than I remembered. Sending you all love as you transition life with her on the other side.
Murphy’s says
I’m so glad we got to have a nice visit with guys recently. Donna was always fun, funny, and so pretty. We will miss Donna and hold all of you in our hearts as you move through the rest of your journey without her.
Lisa and Larry
Glenda Grover says
Such a very sad, heart breaking loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Her bright smile will never be forgotten.
Joe-Bob says
Bob, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your lovely wife Donna. The few times that I met her I commented on what a ray of sunshine she was! Reading through the comments here, it’s quite obvious everyone else saw that same inner light. May God keep you close during these difficult days.
Dee Turner says
Bob and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Donna had a special smile and warmth about her which made her unique. A true gift. I hope you all take good care of yourselves during this time of grief.
Dee Turner
Katie White says
Love you all so much! I know this so sudden and such a difficult loss for all of you. Donna loved her family more than ever. You were all her treasures! Donna had the biggest heart and was always so thoughtful. I enjoyed being a part of her family for twelve years. She was so good to me. We had lots of fun times together, a million meals together, and so many chats. I will miss talking with her about everything. You definitely knew how Donna felt about something, which I appreciated! I loved being out to dinner with the Anderson’s when one of her former students would come up and give Mrs. A a big hug. As she would say that’s “one of my kids from Four G’s.” My favorite Donna saying was “well this is FUN.” My heart hurts for your loss. Donna made an impression on my life, love you!
Marilyn Nicolay says
Bob, we were so saddened to learn of Donna’s passing. My heart goes out to you, your children and grandchildren. It’s always so difficult to lose someone we love. Donna was a special lady and will be missed by so many. Our prayers for the entire Anderson and Belviille families as you deal with this loss.
Love, Marilyn and Nick
Rick OConnell says
Bob and family. My thoughts are with you in this tough time. Donna was a good one.
Jessica Baker ( Jen Fritz sister) says
You are all in our thoughts and prayers! I sure absolutely loved Donna’s bubbly personality, and love that she gave everybody even if she only saw you here and there.She made you feel speacil when you were around her.And she was genuinely interested in hearing how everything is going in your life. I ask God to rest upon you all, and surround him with his peace.
HELEN FANDRICH says
Bob and family – so sorry to hear of Donna’s death.
She was such a dellight – always had a smile and something positve and fun to say. She was a long-time acquaintance, and I would have liked to have known her better.
Take care of yourself.
Dan Connors says
Bob and family, Janice and I are so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. It was always a treat to see her because you knew she was glad to see you too. She was a real sweetheart. Prayers for you and your family.
Mark Bruno says
Bob, Bobby and Gina-
Sorry for your loss of Donna. She was always so easy to chat with. I remember her beautiful eyes and smile.
Lots of good times my parents had with you when they stilled lived in Helena along with that golf group at the time.
The Bruno Family.
Sally Nyland says
Bob,
My condolences to you and your family. Know that you are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Barb and Ken Rudio says
Bob and family. My heart goes out to you. I have so many fun memories of Donna over the years. We’ve known each other since we were 12 years old. We had our Wednesday’s for many years, taking the kids to the lake and burning ourselves in the backyard. She will be missed.
Barb and Keb
Traci Kelley says
Mrs Anderson was our teachers aid all through my elementary school at 4 G’s..I am so sorry to hear of her passing! She truly was the kindest woman and her love for all of us kids was apparent anytime we stepped out to recess. She would walk around and the playground and we would all yell “hey Mrs A” and she would blow her whistle and smile..even though this was more rhat 30+ years ago I have thought about her often and always remember her smile and kindness . I am so sorry to her family for her loss, but I hope you take comfort in knowing how loved she was by sooo many kids who are now adults! Her kindness and love will never be forgotten! So thank you Mrs A! ❤️❤️❤️
Deb Bushnell says
Bob and family, so very sorry to hear this cousin! She was wonderful and I’m sure will be missed by all who knew her! Sending love and prayers for you all!
Deb and Wayne Bushnell and family!
David Simac says
Bob and Famiy. Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Linda Olson says
Bob and Family, so sorry to learn of Donna’s passing. I golfed league with her at Billy Bobs and she was a blast. What I remember the most is she putted from off green, even if was 100 feet! I watched her make it too! I still do it ever once in a while myself. I so enjoyed having had her in my life.
Lanae Matson Vetsch says
May you have happy memories with you always.
Londa Burns says
Bob, Bob Jr and Gina. I know this is really late but I am so sorry for your loss.