Our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister Dona Gay Stuart Childs peacefully passed away on Monday night, March 14, 2022, a few days after her 79th birthday. We are so grateful for a life well-lived, a spirit well-loved, and the kindest and most optimistic personality unmatched by anyone. When pressed by her kids to say who she loved the most, she always responded with “Every one of you has wonderful and good traits”. Dona always welcomed everyone into her home, especially those in need and those who may not have felt a lot of love in other places. Some of the kids’ friends received hugs as they ran downstairs to hang out; they were often embarrassed, but they always came back. Others stayed for days or even months, needing a home away from their own struggles. As a caretaker, she always thought of others first. Not only did she raise seven kids, but she took care of her own mom, dad, grandma and husband in their last years of life. As a lifelong faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she magnified callings through service in the Relief Society and other organizations. She treasured the callings when she was able to serve together with her husband Bob, including an inner-city mission and as directors of the stake name extraction center, when she even got her kids involved, taking them to the stake center to patiently enter names and dates from small note cards into the old computers. Dona was the perfect example of what service means.
Dona is survived by her children Karla Abbott, Kevin (Jeana) Childs, Karl (Trina) Childs, Michael (Didi) Childs, Donald (Heidi) Childs, Raymond (Cecile) Childs, and Kaylene (Jason) Chynoweth, and her sisters Norma (Richard) Graham and Vicki (Karl) Potter, as well as 22 grandchildren, 6 grandchildren-in-law, and 5 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Dale Childs in 2008, her parents Donald William and Thelma Rose Berg Stuart, and much loved grandparents.
A viewing will be held on Monday, March 21st from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 22nd at 11:00 am at the church building on 10312 Ashley Park Drive, Sandy, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 am. Anyone wishing to pay their respects is welcome. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
Dona has returned to her Heavenly Father, and we are all very happy and comforted as we think about her glorious reunion with her husband, her parents, her family and her Savior Jesus Christ. We love you mom, always and forever. Until we meet again.
Aunt Dona was my favorite aunt. She had the most amazing smile and big heart. I loved it when her and Uncle Bob and all my cousins would come and visit. She will be missed on this earth by so many. But her presence has left a constant reminder of what true compassion and unconditional love means.
Love, Dolly
We were saddened to hear about your loss for your mother. Losing a mother of special and most difficult, I know because I've been there and done that. May the Lord's blessings be upon you and your family and this heroine experience. May the Lord bless and comfort each of you. We hope and pray.
My deepest condolences to the while family. I have SO many fond memories growing up next door to your family. I always envied the large family you have and I always felt like an adopted kid. Donna was such a sweet , kind soft hearted lady. She always made everyone feel loved and welcomed. We will all remember her and carry those special memories in our hearts forever. Much love to you all.
Dona was a kind and beautiful woman! I had the privilege to spend some time with her and Kaylene and I am very grateful for that.
My prayers are with the family at this time.
God bless
From my childhood until present, I remember your smile would light up your eyes. You shared that smile to us all, and I have loved that about you, my Dear Aunt Dona.