Donna Byrne

1947 - 2025

Donna Jean Byrne (Sipes), beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, gently left this world on Sunday, September 7th, at the age of 78, surrounded by her loving family. She faced cancer with courage and grace, passing peacefully in their embrace.

Born on July 26, 1947, in Missoula, Montana, to Lola Sipes (Hutchison) and Donald Lloyd McCracken, she left an impact greater than her humble upbringing might have suggested, and one that will be felt for generations.

Donna was defined at an early age by her grandparents, Bill and Mamie Hutchison. As post-Great Depression Montana farmers, Donna spent most of her childhood without electricity or running water, and learning the importance of hard work, integrity, thrift, and "horse-sense". Those years formed in Donna a strong sense of family and loyalty. Later in her childhood, she was adopted by her father Richard Ira Sipes, a decorated WWII hero, who cultivated in her a genuine patriotism, and a love for and gift in music that resonated throughout her life.

Adulthood took her to the Navy and Washington, D.C., where she met the love of her life and eternal companion, George Tyler Byrne II. They met on the Department of Defense shuttle to the Pentagon, and within a year were married. While living in Virginia, Donna was introduced to missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the doctrines of the Gospel of Jesus Christ set a new trajectory for their budding family. Donna expressed gratitude towards them throughout her life. Perhaps no doctrine impacted her as strongly as that of Eternal Families.

After military service, Donna and Ty settled in Montana to raise their family. Donna is celebrated by her husband of 57 years, Ty. 5 children and 4 children-in-law: Tyler (Laura), Kelly, Adam (Karen), Owen (Katie), Kevin (Ashley), 20 grandchildren (with one on the way), and 9 great-grandchildren, 6 siblings: Linda, Kathy (Rod), Allan (Linda), Elaine (Curt), Lisa (Kevin), Jeff (Kelly), and countless others who called her sister, mother, aunt and friend. Above all things, Donna was a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother first. Regarding her children, Donna embodied the psalm that says, "Happy is the [woman] that hath a quiver full of them". Donna found her greatest joy and lasting purpose in raising her family. Her greatest joy and desire were and remain to see them with her in the Celestial Kingdom.

When asked how she wanted to be remembered, she said, "I did the best I knew how, and I never stopped trying." We celebrate that legacy.

We invite friends and family to attend a celebration of Donna's life on Saturday, September 13, 2025, beginning with a viewing at 10:00 A.M. with a service at 11:00 A.M. at 1508 W 3000 N Rexburg, ID 83440. A private graveside service will be held for the family.