PAW PAW - Donna Jean Gilmore, 86, of Paw Paw passed away Feb. 22, 2021 at her son’s home surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation was held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Feb. 27 at the United Methodist Church of Paw Paw. Due to COVID restrictions, only a few people were admitted at a time, masks were required and social distancing guidelines followed. A private family funeral service followed at the church with Pastor Dana Cox and Pastor Glen Stewart officiating. Interment was at Melugin Grove Cemetery.

Donna was born Aug. 24, 1934 in Compton to Wilbur and Mildred (Parks) Pfeifer. She married Ed Gilmore on June 1, 1952 at Paw Paw Methodist Church. He preceded her in death.

Survivors include two sons, Scott (Marianne) Gilmore and Steve (Deb) Gilmore; two granddaughters, Emily (Kyle) Kofoid and Ellyn (Matt) Schoenholz; five great-grandchildren, Kylie Kofoid, Edward Kofoid, Evelyn Kofoid, Ella Schoenholz and Maverick Schoenholz; a sister-in-law, Helen Pfeifer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; one brother, Dean Pfeifer; and an infant son, Curtis.

Donna worked for a time as a telephone operator. She mainly worked side by side with her husband on the farm. She was famous for her cooking for large crowds and brought home-cooked meals out to the field during planting and harvest. She and Eddie raised two sons and instilled in them a strong work ethic and a genuine kindness. Donna was very generous and loving and the focus of her life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also very civic minded and involved in numerous activities and organizations. She was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church of Paw Paw, and was a member of the Crusaders, United Methodist Women Committee, Marigolds, Red Hatters, was a Cub Scout leader, and really enjoyed her card clubs. She helped and baked for the church’s May luncheons, turkey suppers and bake sales and was always the first to offer food or her help for many service projects. She was a member of the Lee County Farm Bureau and was committed to educating the non-farming community about agriculture.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Donna’s name may be directed to the United Methodist Church of Paw Paw or Mendota Area Senior Services. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.