Donna J. Everly

Donna J. Everly, age 92, of Dayton, OH passed away on August 13, 2025. The family will gather for a private Christian graveside service at a future date in Gallatin, MO where her ashes will be interred beside those of her beloved husband of 50 years, Jack C. Everly. Donna was born September 14, 1932 in Galesburg, IL. She was the daughter of the late Carl and Maxine (Watts) Edwardson, and the granddaughter of Dr. Harry F. and Olive (Weirs) Watts. 

A 1950 graduate of Galesburg High School, she continued her education at Peoria’s Methodist Hospital School of Nursing, Bradley University, and the University of Illinois. During her career as a registered nurse she practiced in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health care. But our family will remember how she selflessly shared those skills when answering the calls to give loving, skillful nursing care to so many of its members.Donna was a creative and enjoyed exploring many artistic interests. Her businesses, Prairie Pottery and Prairie Weaver, were natural extensions of these. She designed original wheel thrown porcelain and stoneware pieces often etched with rural landscape themes. They were finished in one of her original glazes and fired in her kilns. Some lucky brides received lovely commissioned table dressings from her looms. Other interests in which she excelled were hand heirloom sewing, knitting and stamp collecting.Donna loved the “jewels” of nature and studied flowers, birds, butterflies and sea shells. She was an avid gardener who created beautiful environments filled with plants that supported butterflies and migratory birds. Her garden was chosen for tours that supported local organizations and was featured in House Trends Magazine.Donna has been a life-long member of the Methodist Church and was most recently affiliated with Christ United Methodist Church in Kettering, OH where she was a part of United Methodist Women, and she was a member of the Ruth Fellowship and the Shawl Ministry. Other organizations in which she was active included P.E.O and D.A.R. 

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Crittenden Everly; her parents; her sister, Clara Frances Altine and her brother, Dana Cliff Edwardson.Survivors include her sons, Paul David Everly of San José, CA and Mark Alan Everly and wife Ann (Aulgur) Everly, Gallatin, MO; her daughters, Diane Kay Everly Jensen and husband, Dennis B. Jensen of Grand Rapids, MI; Dr. Mary Everly Bane and husband, Dr. Charles L. Bane of Oakwood, OH; ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

In this world there seem to be “old souls” and “young souls” among us. Donna was definitely a young soul. Everything was new through her eyes. She lived with a very optimistic spirit and with much wonderment. We have been blessed to have her in our lives. She was a spreader of joy.