Donna Lee Richardson

Donna Lee Richardson 70, of Stronghurst, IL passed away Thursday April 9, 2015, 4:44 am at the Great River Medical Center Burlington, IA. She was born July 5, 1944, the youngest of 9 Children born to H.K. and Carrie Hawk Thomas.  On February 15, 1969 she married Robert L. “Barney” Richardson.

She is survived by her husband and daughters, Sandy (Jeff) Ewing of Monmouth, IL and Jeanne Whittemore of Stronghurst, IL. Donna leaves grandchildren Kim Waters, Keri Fitchpatrick, Robert McKay, Malissa McKay, Christa “C.C.” Whittemore and Rebecca “Becca” Whittemore; great grandchildren Justin Ackman, Belle Turner and Tyler Fitchpatrick coming in July; sisters and spouses surviving are Juanita (Walt) Avery and Marilyn (Larry) Estes.  Donna was preceded in death by an infant son, (Tommy), her parents, her in-laws, (Elbert and Christa Richardson), siblings and spouses Margaret and Hugh W. “Smitty” Smith, Amy and Bill Davis, Howard and Dora Thomas, Virginia Wallace, Burt Lowrey, Jolly Wallace, Russell Thomas, Edna Sherman, and Shirley Smith Cook.

Donna worked hard her entire life.  For years, she and Barney owned the Roseville Restaurant.  She was known as an excellent cook.  For the past 17 plus years, she worked at Shearer’s Foods, formally known as the Vista Bakery in Burlington, IA.  She truly enjoyed her job, but more importantly, she loved her co-workers.  She was quick with a smile and always had a story to tell.

Funeral service will be Monday April 13, 2015, 10:00 am at the Wise Family-Hoover Hall Funeral Home Monmouth, IL Burial will be in the Ellison Cemetery, Smithshire, IL.  Visitation will be Sunday April 12, 2015 from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Wise Family-Hoover Hall Funeral Home Monmouth, IL.  Memorials may be made to the Donna Lee Richardson Memorial.  Online condolences may be left at www.hooverhall.com.  Wise Family-Hoover Hall is in charge of the arrangements.