Donna-Jean Bomer Gregory

Donna-Jean (Bomer) Gregory

January 10, 1933 – July 1, 2025 at 11:11pm

Clinton, Utah

Donna-Jean (also known as Grandma Great), was the only child of Lillian Minnie Elizabeth (Winslow) and Elva Irman Bomer of Glenwood, Iowa.

Born a tiny, 3 lb., “Blue Baby”, Donna-Jean literally died 3 times that day, yet she was the epitome of a petite and spunky survivor her whole life, overcoming polio and other hardships.

Moving to Omaha, Nebraska, Donna-Jean started school and graduated from Technical (Tech) High School (the largest high school west of Chicago) in 1951 with honors. Her high school ring was a badge of honor. She was a very popular girl who enjoyed going to dances and taking photographs with her camera.

In 1950 she married William Harlan (Bill) Gregory of Osborne, Kansas and became a United States Air Force spouse relocating to military bases across the country – Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee (twice), Texas, Alaska, and eventually Utah. Donald Harlen (Skip) and William Harlan (Corky) were born at Offutt AFB, Omaha, Nebraska. Mark Irman and Cherie Elvene (Simms) were born at Ardmore AFB, Ardmore, Oklahoma. Donna-Jean and Bill were married for 50 years until his death in 2001. They were married in the SLC LDS Temple in 1964 as they relocated to Alaska.

A fiercely dedicated and loving mother, Donna-Jean’s family came first. She shared that same dedication when she would mind the children of other families where both parents had to work.

Donna-Jean was very fun-loving and creative in everything. When money was available and you needed it, you got it. When it was tight, she was very creative on solving problems and crafting inventive and unique gifts.

When Bill retired from the USAF and became a long-distance truck driver, Donna-Jean joined him in crossing the country for years, collecting even more interesting and humorous experiences and stories. Even though she had trouble reaching the pedals, she did learn to operate the 18-wheel, semi-truck and trailer.

Donna-Jean was a certified Paralegal who volunteered many hours per week for several years on a crisis lifeline. She was an active member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints who also assisted The Stephen Ministry with numerous special projects. She had studied graphology and remote viewing and proved to be pretty accurate in both. Independently, Donna-Jean would gather thousands of pieces of clothing and shoes for Afghanistan women, and children in third-world countries, or hurricane victims in the U.S. She was often seen visiting seniors living in nursing homes.

When she was not enjoying the weekly family dinner / movie night, Donna-Jean loved to read. And when she was not reading, she was working puzzles in order to keep her mind active. This drive to learn was carried over, when at the age of 70, she decided to contribute more to the community, especially to the children by joining Foster Grandparents and becoming an educator for more the 20 years (18 at Clinton Elementary and 2 at Holt Elementary).

Donna-Jean was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Donna-Jean Gregory’s name to St. Jude’s Hospital. A Family Goodbye (family members) will be held in Ogden on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The public is invited to attend a brief memorial at the LDS Church at 2223 North 1000 West, Clinton, Utah followed by food and drink and sharing of memories and stories about Donna-Jean. The doors will open at 4:30pm and the service begins at 5:00pm.

If you want to learn how Donna-Jean parked a car in the top of a 20 foot tall tree without putting a dent or scratch on it, or if you want to hear some of the cute stories we are compiling from her years of teaching (“Grandma Great’s Giggles”) please attend.

Donna-Jean would love to have you attend and share your own memories. It will be helpful if you can let us know you will be attending by emailing skipgregory@msn.com and telling us how many to expect. Donna-Jean loved you all.