Donna Staab

1928 - 2009

Donna Staab, a Bozeman resident for nearly 60 years, passed away Nov. 25, 2009, while visiting her sisters in Billings.

Mom was born in Park City, Mont., on Sept. 25, 1928. She was the 10th of 12 children born to Conrad and Elizabeth Lofing, German immigrants who farmed in the Park City and Columbus area for many years. She graduated from Columbus High School, and later married Robert Staab, moving to Bozeman shortly thereafter.

Mom was a dedicated member of the Bozeman community. She spent many evenings knocking on doors on behalf of causes including the March of Dimes, the American Heart Association, The American Lung Association and Cancer Research. She was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church, and was very proud that she served as a Sunday school teacher and as a superintendent of Sunday school for 17 years.

Always available for those in need, perhaps her true calling came about as a result of her battle with cancer in 1979. As a cancer survivor, she spent countless hours counseling women who were facing the same challenges she had survived. Her empathy was a comfort to them, her courage was an inspiration, and many of these women cherished her friendship long after their treatment was complete.

Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Palm Springs, Calif., also counted her among its congregation. For several winters, she was able to travel to a warmer climate to visit family. Among the first things she did was find a church, and in this place she met many new friends.

Mom kept very busy as a homemaker, enjoyed gardening her entire life and loved bicycling in her younger years. There was always a jar of chocolate chip cookies and brownies for her neighbors, who would gather in each others' kitchens almost every day for a cup of coffee and some conversation. She was blessed with lifelong friends and she cherished each one of them. For a while, she worked as a hostess in her family's business, where she enjoyed meeting and socializing with people. She had a natural ability to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable.

She has joined her husband; parents; as well as sisters, Marie Henry, Mollie Eisenman and Esther Lofing; brothers, Alec, Pete, Herman and John Lofing.

She is survived by sisters, Lydia Maier, Joan Myers, Rose Lofing; brother, Fred Lofing; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her three children, Jim (Teresa) Staab of Buffalo, Wyo., Judy Cook of Desert Hot Springs, Calif., and Vicky (Steve) Nelson of Bozeman. She is remembered dearly by her grandchildren, Eric Staab of Bellingham, Wash., Zachary Cook of Desert Hot Springs, Calif., and Zori Cook of Sherman Oaks, Calif.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Vincent's and also Valley Health Care for the compassionate care she received.

Mom's instructions to her family were to have her remains cremated, and this has taken place. Her family feels that she would have preferred to postpone a memorial service until after the holidays and that this would be consistent with her lifelong policy of thoughtfulness for others. A celebration of her life will therefore be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."