Donna Kay Bennett

Donna Kay Bennett, age 88, of Harvey, Iowa, died in Pella, on June 22, 2025.
She was born in Oskaloosa in 1937 to her parents Charles Arthur (Dick) Riggen II and Dorothy Maxine Harvey. While she enjoyed having the run of the house as a small child, she was overjoyed at the birth of her sister, Sally Jo, in 1944. While they weren't always "kind" to each other as children, they were unquestionably the closest friends throughout their adult life. She was equally excited at the news of a brother, Charles Arthur III, who was born in 1947 but died a year later, something she mourned the rest of her life. She relayed many stories of growing up in small-town Harvey, attending classes in a one-room schoolhouse, and spending time with her cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Having spent time in larger towns and major cities, Donna had a taste of what it was like to live a "city life", but she preferred the rural life, claiming Harvey as home for the rest of her life.
She attended school in Harvey, Iowa, before studying education at a variety of institutions including Central College, Drake University, Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), and Sacramento State. For 41+ years she taught elementary school in California and Iowa, with a 5 th grade math classroom at Knoxville Community School District being her "home" before retirement. Donna enjoyed teaching and was able to connect almost anyone in the Knoxville community with a student she taught going back nearly three generations.
Donna was married to Cleo C, Bennett in 1957 in Harvey, Iowa. Family was extremely important to Donna, and she found her greatest joy in motherhood, raising six beloved children. She opened her heart and home through adoption by welcoming Anita Diane, Larry Gene, and Shawn Anthony, then the Lord continued to bless her through the birth of Joel Patrick, Dana Marie, and Dawn Marie. Her dedication to family extended to her fourteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who brought her immense happiness.
Donna had a soft spot for animals, including dogs and cats, but her favorite were birds. Her feeders were always full, and she was quick to identify the birds she saw and heard around her property.
Donna loved to travel and took trips with her kids, and on her own, whenever her schedule allowed. She loved visiting new places, national parks, and any place where she could see the beauty of God's creation.
Donna was an active member of the Harvey United Methodist Church, devoting her time and energy to different roles that included teaching Sunday school, serving as secretary and treasurer, and at times playing the piano to keep the small church going.
Donna loved to cook and was good at it, hosting weekly Sunday dinners for her family long after they left the house. Her kids and grandkids loved learning the secrets of making world-class mashed potatoes and gravy, baked pork chops, egg noodles, and various desserts, a tradition that will live long into the future.
Donna was preceded in death by Dick and Dorothy Riggen, Charles III Riggen, and Cleo C. Bennett. Donna is survived by sister, Sally (Jim) Snyder; children: Anita (Frank) Schumacher, Larry (Lisa) Bennett, and Shawn (Lynda) Bennett, Joel (Kristi) Bennett, Dana Bennett, and Dawn (Tim) Van Haaften.
Visitation is Wednesday, June 25th, from 6-8pm, and the funeral service is Thursday, June 26th, at 10:30am, both at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. Memorials to the Knoxville Education Foundation would be greatly appreciated. To send flowers to the family of Donna, please visit our floral store.