She was born at home in McCook on April 12, 1931, to Leonard B. and Ruth F. (Ball) Holmes. Donna grew up in McCook, attending school at East Ward, District 31, and McCook Jr. and Sr. High School.
After graduating in 1949, Donna attended Denver University.
On June 16, 1958, Donna was united in marriage to Gerald T. Butler at the Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook.
Donna wore many hats in her lifetime, she set type for the McCook Gazette, was secretary for the United Methodist Church and worked with the Red Willow County Election Board. She was the "unofficial" secretary for the class of 1949, keeping track of all classmates. Donna was very vital in keeping people updated with birthday wishes and coming events at the Senior Center.
Donna and Jerry owned and operated McCook Locker and Butler Beef Acres; catering weddings, parties, fairs and reunions. Donna enjoyed playing cards, gardening, serving others and she loved her daily phone conversations with family and friends. Donna and Jerry loved to travel visiting family and friends, taking trips to both coasts and all states in-between, including Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands and Germany.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; her daughter, Marcia Brasher; her son, Jerry Rhett Butler; her son-in-law, Mike Brasher; her parents; and two sisters, Lois LaVerne and Norma Jean.
Donna is survived by two daughters, Vicki Anderjaska of Buffalo, Missouri, and Cindy Brenning and husband, Brad, of Aurora, Colorado; one son, Steve Butler and wife, Kim, of Gretna, Nebraska; eight grandchildren, Stephanie Brasher, Scott Brasher and Stacy Brasher of Kennewick, Washington; Bryan (Lisa) Brenning of Fort Collins, Colorado; Carie (Eric) Eisenberg of Aurora; Kimberly Butler-Dwyer of Fort Collins; Heath (Kim) Anderjaska of Buffalo; Seth (Lindsey) Anderjaska of Willard, Missiouri; 17 great-grandchildren, Oceana, Brittney, Tate, Jayln, Jenner, Jakeili, Branden, Brooke, Brittany, Noah, Evan, Tara Rose, Jordan, Chad, Sierra, Saige and Garth; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Dr. Doug Griger and Donna's grandson, Heath G. Anderjaska, officiating. There will be a private family inurnment.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, from 2-4 p.m. at the Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be addressed to McCook High School Class of 1949, PO Box 665, McCook, NE 69001, and Hospice Care through Community Hospital Health Foundation, PO Box 1328, McCook, NE 69001. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com or email don nalee1949@hotmail.com.
Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.