Donna Rae Howell

Donna Rae Howell

Donna Howell Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Iles Westover Funeral Home on Sep. 19, 2025.

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Donna Rae Howell, 90 years, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, with her family by her side at the nursing home where she lived for the last 10 months.

Donna was born on September 21, 1934, at home in Diagonal to Arlo and Ethel Dillenburg. She grew up in the farm life. After graduation, she worked taking care of aunts and uncles while working in a laundry mat.

She married Kenneth Howell on January 16, 1955. Together they had 7 children, 3 boys and 4 girls, Don, Mike, Howard, Debbie, Karen, Susan, and Patty. Their children gave them 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. With that many kids, you know she was busy.

She always found time for things she loved like cooking special cakes for birthdays, trying new dishes, sewing, crocheting, gardening, but most of all she loved spending time with family.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth; daughters, Debbie, Karen, and Patty; brothers, Burl, Duane, Bob, and Marvin; and sisters, Verna and Mary.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines from 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Live streaming and recording of the service may be viewed on her obituary at www.ilesfuneralhomes.com. A luncheon will follow the service at Iles Westover Chapel.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.ilesfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Chapel

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