August 24, 1934 - February 22, 2021
Donna Jean Gilmore, 86, of Paw Paw, passed away Monday, February 22, 2021, at her son’s home surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 24, 1934 in Compton, the daughter of Wilbur and Mildred (Parks) Pfeifer. She married Ed Gilmore on June 1, 1952 in the Paw Paw Methodist Church.
Donna worked for a time as a telephone operator. She mainly worked side by side with her husband, Ed, on the farm. She was famous for her cooking for large crowds. She brought home cooked meals out to the field during planting and harvest. She and Eddie raised two sons and instilled in them a strong work ethic and a genuine kindness. Donna herself was very generous and loving. The focus of her life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Donna was very civic minded and involved in numerous activities and organizations. She was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church of Paw Paw. She was also a member of the Crusaders, United Methodist Women Committee, Marigolds, Red Hatters, was a Cub Scout Leader, and really enjoyed her card clubs. She helped and baked for church May luncheons, turkey suppers and bake sales. Donna was always the first to offer food or her help for many service projects. She was a member of the Lee County Farm Bureau and was committed to educating the non-farming community about agriculture.
Donna is survived by two sons, Scott (Marianne) Gilmore and Steve (Deb) Gilmore; granddaughters Emily (Kyle) Kofoid and Ellyn (Matt) Schoenholz; great-grandchildren, Kylie Kofoid, Edward Kofoid, Evelyn Kofoid, Ella Schoenholz, and Maverick Schoenholz; a sister-in-law, Helen Pfeifer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Mildred Pfeifer; her beloved husband, Ed; brother, Dean Pfeifer, and an infant son, Curtis.
Visitation will be from 9:30-11:30 A.M. Saturday, February 27, 2021, at the United Methodist Church of Paw Paw. Due to covid restrictions, only a few people will be admitted in at a time. Masks must be worn and social distancing guidelines should be followed. Those coming to the visitation are instructed to enter the church drive off of Wiley Avenue and exit onto Flagg Street. Please stay in your vehicles. Someone will be there to guide you into the church at the appropriate time.
A private family funeral service will follow the visitation at 11:30 A.M. at the church. Pastor Dana Cox and Pastor Glen Stewart will officiate. The service will be live streamed on the Torman Funeral Home Facebook page. Interment will follow in Melugin Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Donna’s name may be directed to the United Methodist Church of Paw Paw or Mendota Area Senior Services. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.
Steve and Scott and families, you are in my thoughts and prayers. There are so many memories that come to mind and so many wonderful times that we shared. They will live in my heart forever. May God hold you in his mighty right hand and may you find His Peace in your faith. God loves us and is beside us all the way. Love you guys!
Condolences to Donna’s family and friends. I really enjoyed talking to her at Stone Croft Village when my mother lived there, too. RIP Donna.
May God comfort you day by day in the loss of a wonderful lady. I admired Ed and Donna as two super nice people to know
I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful lady. When Ed and Donna come to mind… it immediately brings forth memories of their kindness to me… of their acceptance and affirmation. What sweet people and what a loss for Paw Paw.
My deepest sympathy to you all. When I married Edward Pfeifer I then became Donna Pfeifer it was amazing that I became a part of the Pfeifer clan . Our kids loved visiting with Ed and Donna.. Barb,Wally and Rob loved the farm and always looked forward to visiting with Donna. Rob even brought his children to see the Gilmore farm. Understanding your great loss.
Donna is such a pillar of the Gilmore family. She managed to touch so many through her work, her faith and her family. I consider myself lucky to have known her. We take heart that her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Our sympathies are with you all.
Your message *There ia a hole in my heart. Donna was always there when I needed to talk to someone. She and Ed welcomed my daughter and myself when we first moved to Paw Paw and made as feel as Paw Paw was our home. Donna was well known for bringing her develed eggs to different church events. I was fortunate enough for her touching my life. Deepest sympathy goes out to Steve, Deb, Scott , Marianne and family.
Your message *Debbie and I send our greatest condolences to you and the family. So sorry for our loss, as well as yours. She and Ed were such wonderful people, and so easy to talk to and enjoy their flavor for life. Their smiles were infectious and warming. May the Holy Spirit bring you peace during this time of mourning.
Your message * Scott, Steve and Family, my deepest condolence. I will really miss Donna. We had a lot of laughs. Donna loved to play cards with my dad…
Your message *We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Donna. Eddie and Donna were some of the first to welcome us when we moved to Paw Paw. They were wonderful people who showed love and kindness to everyone. When we moved from Paw Paw Ed and his sons helped us. Donna sent cookies to us. We speak of them often fondly. Bruce, Piper and myself consider ourselves blessed to have known them.
Your message *I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I’ve known Donna all of my life and she has had as much to do with my raising as anyone outside of my family. As a member of the Crusaders group, she helped to show many of us children the meaning of Christian Love and Faith. She welcomed us into her home with meals and treats and even naps when the time came. My family and I offer our condolences to Steve, Scot and their families in this time of grief and loss I have always felt lucky to be considered a friend.