Donna Jean Laird

Donna Jean Bartlett Laird

We are fortunate to have one of life’s most gracious, kind and loving humans as a mother.

Donna Jean Bartlett Laird, 90 years of age, left this life and arrived at her new home in heaven on November 20th, 2025.

Donna was the youngest of eight children born to Wyrthy and Delia Bartlett in Cozad, Nebraska on April 6, 1935.

Donna was the first of four generations to attend Lucerne Valley District #27 country school and continued at Cozad City Schools, proudly graduating with the class of 1952.

On March 30th, 1953, she was married to William “Bill” Laird, whom she called the best-looking man in Cozad, at the EUB Church of Cozad. Donna and Bill were blessed with 5 children: Cynthia, Nancy, Patrick, Ann, and Thomas.

Donna and Bill moved to Maxwell, NE where Bill was farming and ranching, and Donna was a stay-at-home mom. In 1960 they moved back to Cozad where Bill continued his farming and ranching enterprise, and Donna provided a loving and nourishing home as their family continued to grow.

In 1985, that’s when Donna and Bill started a 20-year-long career at Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. After their time was done in Yellowstone, Bill opened a feed store with his two sons. Donna made sure the boys and whoever else showed up to the store were fed a good lunch every day. Especially the days she made her famous chocolate pie.

Music was a significant part of Donna’s life, playing piano and organ at church, weddings, funerals, and for the elderly at local care homes. She made sure to share her love of music with her children and grandchildren.

If she wasn’t sitting at the piano with one of her grandchildren, she would be playing a card game with them... but definitely not letting them win. Donna and Bill enjoyed attending the Pinochle Club once a month for many years or filling their table with family after holiday dinners playing card games.

When she wasn’t playing card games or the piano, she was baking in the kitchen. Her grandchildren share a fond memory of her baking cinnamon rolls, or the little gingerbread men that she made at Christmas.

Donna was a faithful member of Cozad Christian Church where she taught Sunday School and VBS.

For many years she enjoyed a weekly meeting with her great friends, the lunch ladies. And every Friday, like clockwork, happy hour started at 5pm. Saturday mornings were set aside for coffee with family.

Donna was “the glue” to the family, showing much pride for every member from her kids to her great grandkids.

Donna had a quick wit that lasted until the end, but the love she showed everyone never wavered even in her last days.

Preceded in death by husband, William; parents Wyrthy and Delia; sisters and brothers-in-law, Glenna and Vern Young, Opal and Vincent Ogorsolka, Thelma and Bill Peterson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne and Georgia Bartlett, Dale and Ruby Bartlett; Lyle and Lola Bartlett; two infant siblings, Audry and Glenn. Also, sister-in-law, Beverly (Laird) Boyd and brother-in-law, John Laird.

She is survived by Cynthia (PJ) Jacobson, Nancy Laird, Pat (Barbara) Laird, Ann (Bruce) Bergman, and Tom (Pam) Laird. Eight Grandkids: Billy (Cali) Jacobson, Dane (Chandra) Robison, Lorne (Felisha Oswald) Laird, Kasey (Tyler) McNitt, Meggan (Eric) Ide, Emily Laird and partner Matt Crader, Jacob (Cassidy) Laird, and Ellen (Aaron) Simmons. Fifteen great grandchildren: Myles, Landry and Benjamin Ide; Mylo, Wyatt, Leo, and Hank Jacobson; Ross Laird and mother Jody Laird; Brady and Millie Ferne Robison; Beau and Berkley McNitt; Oliver and Kord Laird; Arlo Simmons; two more great grandchildren on the way. Two step great grandchildren, Jaysa Ott and Sophie McNitt. Brother-in-law Gordon Boyd; sister-in-law Bobbi Laird. Also, numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Visitation with family present will be Friday, November 21, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be held at Cozad Cemetery.