Donna Eileen Akers

1938 - 2026

Donna Eileen Akers, 87, of Pocatello, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Donna was born on June 23, 1938 in the historic town of Butte, Montana to Donald James "Razzy" Gaved and Margaret Eileen Shields Gaved. In 1942, her family moved to Salt Lake City and later settled in Pocatello.

She attended St. Anthony Catholic School and Alameda Junior High before graduating from Pocatello High School in 1956. Donna cherished her years at Pocatello High School, where she was active in clubs and formed lifelong friendships. She could still proudly recite the "Poky Fight Song" word for word!

Growing up, Donna enjoyed skiing at Skyline (Pebble Creek), Sun Valley and Grand Targhee. She was an avid bowler at her father's Pine Bowl and participated in sports and dance clubs throughout the years.

In 1958, she married her high school sweetheart, Sherman "Sherm" Akers, in St. Anthony Catholic Church. Donna worked in clerical positions for several companies and served with the Women's Society at St. Anthony Catholic Church. She generously gave her time volunteering with ISU, the local Bowlers Association, and many other organizations.

In 1980, Donna and Sherm founded D&S Electrical Supply, operating first from their living room on Elm Street. Donna managed the books while Sherm handled sales. The business grew to include a location in Chubbuck and later another in Idaho Falls. Together, they built not only a successful company, but a life filled with travel, camping, social gatherings, Elk's functions, and electrical conferences. Above all else, Donna treasured time with her family, celebrating holidays, attending their special events and creating traditions that will carry on for generations.

Though Donna enjoyed elegant things, she lived a very simple life. She had a gift for making people feel valued and reminding them to appreciate life's special moments. A good conversation, a shared meal with a glass of Chardonnay, and a beautiful Idaho sunset is all she needed.

Sherm taught Donna to care for their llamas and other animals while he was at work, many times delivering llama babies on her own. For their 40th wedding anniversary, their children gifted them a pygmy goat named "Stardust" after the hotel where Donna and Sherm stayed in Las Vegas on their honeymoon. Many in Pocatello remember seeing Donna walking Stardust on a leash down Bannock Highway.

After raising their children, Donna traveled extensively, pursuing her love of bowling. Her team, sponsored annually by Cowboy Oil, frequently competed at Nationals. She also made countless trips to Sun Valley, where she enjoyed attending summer ice skating performances with her brother Kenny and watching Johnny Weir perform.

Donna is survived by her son, Andy (Debbie); her daughter, Angela (Mike) Lyon; her son-in-law, Eddy Vargason (the late Amy Vargason); her brothers, Walt (Tina) Gaved and Cody Gaved; her grandchildren, Ayden and Andrew Akers, Connor (Janette) Hadley and Sander Hadley, Reagan and Garrett Lyon, and Alexandrea Vargason; and her great-grandchildren, Hailie Vargason and Aniston Hadley, all of Pocatello. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman; her daughter, Amy; her infant sister, Annette Gaved; her parents, Margaret and Donald Gaved; and her brothers, Jim and Kenny Gaved.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her devoted personal care team Kelly, Annika, and Tanji for their years of compassionate care and friendship. Donna will be remembered for her kindhearted generosity, faith, and the love she so freely gave. She leaves behind a legacy of values, traditions, and laughter that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Juniper Hills Country Club. In lieu of flowers, Donna would have preferred donations in her memory be made to Holy Spirit Catholic School.

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