Donna Marie Messenger's Obituary
Donna Marie (Cooper) Messenger was born in Mondamin, IA on December 28, 1925, the daughter of John W. and Mary Orcine (Niles) Cooper. Donna graduated from Mondamin High School in 1944. She married Dale Messenger on August 28, 1946 in Mondamin. Dale and Donna farmed in the Pisgah area until 1954 when they moved to Clarinda where Dale operated Skelly gas stations in Braddyville and Clarinda. Donna was the bookkeeper for the gas stations as well as being employed at the Clarinda Chamber of Commerce. After the family moved to Ames in 1969, Donna worked at the Campus Book Store and was involved with the First United Methodist Church, working with the prayer chain, church library and for many years was the "Card Lady" for the church. She was also a longtime member of the Questers in Ames. Donna and Dale enjoyed Iowa State University athletics, extensive traveling, church activities and spending time with their four boys and their families. Donna is survived by her four sons, Richard, LeRoy (Sheryl), Keith (Peanut), and Doug (Dee), as well as granddaughter Tamar (Jesse) McCunniff and six grandsons, David (Colleen), Michael (Kristina), Matthew (Margaret), Ryan, Cooper (Kelsey) and Carson (Hannah). She is also survived by 20 great grandchildren and sister Myrna Cooper. She was preceded in death by her husband Dale, brother Harold, sisters Mary Ada and Beverly, and parents John and Mary. Graveside services will be held at a future date at the Magnolia, IA cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church in Ames. Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
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