Donna Haines
Donna Belle (Wilson) Haines was born on June 28, 1927, in rural Dundy County, Nebraska, to Leo Orrin and Ethel Belle (Smith) Wilson. Donna grew up on the family farm near Benkelman where she attended school and graduated from Dundy County High School in 1944. After graduation, Donna traveled to Oregon, during WWII, and was employed in aircraft manufacturing. She was considered to be a Rosie The Riveter. Donna returned to the Benkelman area, and continued her education at Kearney State College and Chadron State College where she received a degree in teaching.
On July 17, 1948, Donna married Marvin “Burr” Ellis Haines at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman, Nebraska. The couple settled in Benkelman and Donna continued to teach at numerous schools in Dundy County for more than 40 years. Donna had many hobbies including knitting, and possessed a talent for memorizing and reciting poetry and sayings of many types.
Donna passed away Friday afternoon, January 11th, 2019, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman. She was 91 years of age.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; twins; Danny and Darlene, who passed away in early childhood. Additionally, brothers; Tim, Edgie and Manny; sisters; Mary Jo Kernan, LaVon Indorf , Doris Edwards, and Bonnie Vandonsel.
Survivors Include:
Husband: Marvin “Burr” Haines of Benkelman, NE
Special Friend: Joan Vontz of Benkelman, NE
Sister: Rachel Fredrick of New York State
Brother: Burdette Wilson and wife, Jackie, of Wauneta, NE
Brother: Jack Wilson and wife, Ina, of Imperial, NE
Brother-In-Law: David Brunt of Omaha, NE
Numerous Nieces and Nephews
Funeral Services were Wednesday Morning, January 16th, 2019, 10:30 A.M. (Mountain Time) at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman, with Pastor Doug Hjelmstadt officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman, Nebraska.
Visitation was held before services on Wednesday Morning starting at 9:00 A.M. (Mountain Time) at Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman.
Memorials are suggested to the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home of Benkelman, Dundy County Hospital of Benkelman, and the Benkelman Presbyterian Church.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
BENKELMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS