Donna Marie Staten

1934 ~ 2022

Obituary Photo for Donna Marie Staten < >

Service:

Feb. 24, 2022
11:00 AM
Larkin Sunset Gardens Chapel, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah

Donna Marie Staten was born on February 17th, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Foster Bert Gordon and Alice Pugh. She was the second oldest of seven siblings, 5 sisters followed by 2 brothers.

At a young age, she moved in with her grandmother, Elsie Gordon, where Elsie was able to help financially support Donna through her youth and schooling. Thankfully, this moved her closer to a widowed mother, Muzzetta Mecham Staten, who had two sons. Donna became school friends with the younger brother, Delbert, who later introduced her to his elder brother, Richard.

Donna was fond of telling the story of their first meeting. Richard rode up on a bike and briefly talked to her and Delbert. Later, as the story goes, Richard called her up to ask if the feeling was mutual. Donna was a little surprised because the meeting was so brief, but from that point forward they were nearly inseparable. Both having hard childhoods, they decided to start a life together and Donna was married at the age of 16 to Richard Staten, age 18.

They had grown up in the depression but were now married together in the booming 50s. They struggled to have children, due to them having no children, Richard was drafted into the Army for the Korean War and attended basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia. Donna missed him dearly so one day packed a bag, grabbed her mother, and drove across the United States to stay with Richard in the family Barracks while he was in training.

Post war, they settled down in Hunter, Utah where now with stability in her life Donna was able to have their first child, Rhonda, followed by three more daughters—Michelle, Anna, and Lisa. Donna raised four daughters each with strong, distinct personalities. Just as their daughters began to mature, get married and have children, to Donna's surprise she was pregnant as well, this time a boy.

They soon moved to Taylorsville, Utah where Donna and Richard raised their last child and began the life of retirement. Donna enjoyed road trips, especially the shopping for new outfits part before leaving on road trips. Together they drove the whole western United States, exploring national parks, up and down the coast, and small towns from Washington to New Mexico and everywhere in-between.

Donna lost her love in 2017, although being surrounded by loved ones, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she spent 5 years longing for her husband. Donna passed away on February 21st at 1:10 a.m. from complications due to age. She had just celebrated her 88th birthday surrounded by family. The evening of her passing, her family gathered in her room in love, sorrow, as well as solace and joy, in knowing the reunion that was taking place.

Donna is survived by her sister Judy, her brothers Lynn and Wesley, her five children—Rhonda Staten, Michelle Strasburg (Tim), Anna Bell (Boyce), Lisa Rydalch (Kent), Richard Staten (Katie), and 11 grandchildren along with 20 great grandchildren and several on their way.

To View Completed Services please click the "Watch Services" button or follow the following link:https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/5J7SNNxZRVLCt2Co37uldrKJPwa0w5UDRizTXYKlSf8dyE0JHVx5gLflcAkobNQQ.nVyQ7TqgacqqNf1Z?startTime=1645721830000


Guestbook/Condolences

Such a lovely and sweet lady. Always so friendly and caring and happy. We will miss her bright smile. So happy she is reunited with her sweetheart.
Sending prayers for her family. Love the Wilkinson family


- Gene and Teri Wilkinson

Such a sweet and kind person Donna was to us. I always looked forward to seeing her. We.talked of your family and I could feel her love for all of you. Remember the treasured moments you shared with her. Love to all of you. Ialien


- Ialien rydalch

I was so sorry to about your mom passing away. I have so many wonderful memories of your mom and dad. I wish all of you the best. Brenda Euson


- Brenda euson