Grateful

are probably what I am most proud of and they’ve had some beautiful children, and now I’m a great-grandmother and that’s also fun,” Donna said.

Donna finished her education at Black Hills State University, where she studied Spanish and earned a degree in education, Bob was a businessman and the mayor of Belle Fourche. The couple was active in many social and civic organizations. They met and worked with many state/local leaders. Donna counts herself grateful to have known former South Dakota governor Joe Foss and his wife, Dede, and former Lt. Governor Lem Overpeck.

“We met Bob Dole at a speech in Rapid City. Such a smart, good man,” Donna said. “He and I shared birthdays.”

“A friend in Arkansas asked me to welcome Hillary Clinton when she was campaigning in Rapid City for Bill Clinton,” Donna said. “She was lovely and knew the people well. We had a good visit.”

Many of Donna’s treasured relationships are with her former students. Her marriage to Bob ended in divorce. Donna was a nearing 50 when she began her teaching career. St. Martin’s School called and asked if she’d teach Spanish.

“Not being Catholic, I was skeptical but I went. It was peaceful. I felt their love. I said yes,” Donna said. “It was the job of a lifetime to teach. I was so thankful and grateful. I was also lucky to be able to work with the nuns. They are lovely women.”

Donna taught at St. Martin’s School which became St. Thomas More for 14 years. Many of her students achieved National Spanish Exam honors. Today, most of her Facebook friends are