Donna Mae (Clark) Stottlemyre, 85, of Kirksville, MO, formerly of Unionville, MO, passed away peacefully in her home on May 30, 2014. She was surrounded by her loved ones, including her devoted husband of 68 years.

Born in Mystic, Iowa, on November 11, 1928, Donna was the third of seven children, and was considered a loving daughter and sister, always available to help with any task, to provide love and encouragement, and to be a beautiful example of Christ’s love to those around her. One of her most treasured stories was when her father’s life was transformed by Christ, from a dangerous alcoholic to a God-fearing preacher, and through that moment her entire family’s life was changed when she was just 13 years old. Because of this miracle, Donna made it one of her life’s goals to share the Gospel with her children, grandchildren and anyone else who would listen. Through her time on this earth, the Lord undoubtedly touched many.

Donna married her sweetheart Robert (Bob) Stottlemyre on May 8, 1946, three years after Bob had first noticed her singing at the little Button Church in Graysville, MO. Their children and grandchildren cherish their sweet love story and enjoyed listening to the couple retell it as they held hands and gazed at each other with a special twinkle in their eyes.

Bob and Donna were blessed with three children, Roger, Amber and Tammy. In addition to being an amazing mother, Donna was a hard worker and was involved in different businesses in Unionville, MO, over the years. She and Bob brought the first Tastee Freez to the town in 1952, and later opened Donna’s Floral and then Donna’s Dress Shop in the 70’s. They also opened, owned and operated Donna’s Bridal & Jewelry Boutique in the 80’s. Through her businesses, Donna made life-long friends with many of her employees and customers.

Donna was a member of the First Baptist Church in Unionville for 46 years and was an active servant in the children’s ministries and also in her WMU “Circle” group. Later in life she was a member of Hamilton Street Baptist Church in Kirksville, MO. She was well known for being a gracious hostess for the Circle group meetings, and also for her Sunday lunches for pastors and any other friend or family member who needed a meal to eat or place to stay. She was a very talented home cook, and has always been known for her homemade apple or gooseberry pies, bunny cakes, caramel dumplings, and of course her famous cinnamon rolls…everything she made was delicious.

To spend time with Donna was a gift. She was always full of fun and excitement, whether she was having a tea party with a table full of grandchildren, yodeling, humming or singing a hymn, modeling the latest fashions from her most recent shopping trip or simply sitting down to have a cup of Café’ Vienna and a nice chat with friends or family. She had a beauty that radiated from within, and she was greatly appreciated and loved by all who know her.

Donna is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert (Bob) Stottlemyre. Also survived by –Siblings: Ila and husband Ervin Breon of Hedrick, IA, Ginny Arseneaux of Carrollton, TX, CW and wife Jan Clark of Cedar Park, TX. Children: Roger and wife Connie Stottlemyre of Jefferson City, MO, Amber and husband David Lupton of Kirksville, MO, Tammy and husband Doug Childers of Green City, MO. Grandchildren: Todd and wife Suzanne Stottlemyre, Troy and wife Amy Stottlemyre, Tanya and husband Jeff Schielke, Scott and wife Kim Phillips, Grant and wife Michelle Phillips, Tara D’Leigh Phillips, Jessica and husband Jason Salas, Regan and husband Michael Parks, Mark Lupton, Shawna and husband Ben Read, Charlie and wife Sarah Lupton. Siblings in law: Edna May Stottlemyre, Velda and husband Leland Schelp, and Kenny and wife Sandy Stottlemyre. Donna was also blessed to have 46 great-grandchildren and one more due soon.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Nina Clark; her in-laws, Lee & Esther Stottlemyre; her siblings, Ethel & Dick Brooks, Clarice & Herman Brown, Tommy Clark; siblings-in-law, Virgil & Rosanna Stottlemyre, Amber & Jim Humphrey, Vern Stottlemyre, Ilene and Pat Sylvester, and Darryl Arseneaux. Also preceding her in death was one grandson, Tyler Childers, one great-granddaughter and namesake, Allyson Mae Phillips, and a sister-in-law, Betty Stottlemyre.

Public visitation will be held Monday, June 2, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton Street Baptist Church in Kirksville. Following visitation, Donna will be taken to Playle Jones Funeral Home in Unionville, MO. Visitation in Unionville will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, Donna will be laid to rest in the Unionville Cemetery.

Special thanks to family and friends who have sent cards, visited and prayed for Donna, and also to Hospice, and to her granddaughter Tara Phillips for being Grandma’s beloved nurse and caretaker.