Donna Efaw

Donna Frances Efaw

March 14, 1949 – March 2, 2026

Donna Frances Efaw, of Alma, peacefully passed away on March 2, 2026, at age 76. Donna was born and raised in Alma, the daughter of Donald and Neva McGillis.

On September 22, 1967, Donna married Roderick (Rick) Efaw of St. Louis. Together, they raised three children, and they celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Roderick Efaw; her parents, Donald and Neva McGillis; her brother-in-law, Thomas Efaw; and her brother-in-law Bernard Daniel. Donna is survived by her children Charles (Jenniffer) Efaw; Frederick (Amy) Efaw; Laurie VanHorn. She is survived by her grandchildren Anne-Marie (Dorian) Choksy; Holly (Andrew) Wert; Alberta (Ryan) Magliola; Amanda Efaw; Wyatt Efaw; and Hayden Efaw. Donna is survived by her siblings Pauline Daniel; Donald (Joanna) McGillis; Mark (Barbara) McGillis; Joseph McGillis; Thomas McGillis; and Gary (Marion) McGillis. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Donna spent her life as a caregiver. As the second oldest child, she helped her mother care for her siblings. After her father's disabling injury, Donna began working at Big Boy at age 14 to help care for her family. She loved being a mother and wanted to stay home with her children to always be there for them if they needed anything. She also wanted to make her own money, so she started a daycare in her home. She ran the daycare for 15 years. Once her kids were in high school, she decided to work outside of the home. Once she became a grandmother, she didn't want to miss a minute. She wanted to care for her grandchildren instead of them going to daycare, which she did until they were raised. Donna loved every minute of it. She doted on her grandchildren, just as she had done her own children. There was nothing she wouldn't have done for them.

Donna was always a people person, so getting a job at the local Wal-Mart seemed to be the perfect fit. She loved interacting with the community and made many new friends during her time at Wal-Mart. She continued there for many years until her husband's health was failing. At that time, she left to care for him full time. They were inseparable.

Donna was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alma her whole life until the closing of the church. She then attended St. Paul's Catholic Church.

Donna was well known for her baking. She loved to bake for her family, her friends, for her children and grandchildren's school activities, for community activities, and for anyone who asked. She had several hobbies. Her favorite was crocheting. She made stuffed animals and dolls that she would sell at craft shows, that she made for her children and grandchildren, and that she would make for children in the community. She crocheted blankets. She loved to sew. She made clothing for her children when they were young. She made Barbie clothes, doll clothes, blankets, etc. She did various crafts with her grandchildren, loving every minute of it.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11 am at Nativity of the Lord Catholic Church in St. Louis. Interment will follow in Oakgrove Cemetery, St. Louis. Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 10 am until the time of services at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Donna's obituary or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com.