Donna Lou Olds

Donna Lou (Welliver) Olds, born May 16, 1937 in Mancelona, Michigan, peacefully passed away January 31, 2026, with her family by her side, at the age of 88.

She leaves behind her children; Debra Sutherland, Mike (Barbara) Olds, Chris (Vicki) Olds, and Rebecca (David) VanderPloeg; her cherished grandchildren, Christopher (Jade) Olds, Joshua (Luky) Olds, Andrew (Nicole) Olds, Amanda Olds, Elissa (Brandon) Shattuck, Meagan (Adam) Mashni, Chad (Shelley) Olds, Daphnea Sutherland, Dustin (Joanna) Sutherland, Kimberly VanderPloeg, Laura VanderPloeg, Emily (Peyton) Laughlin, and 27 great-grandchildren, along with her siblings; Lynda Welliver, Frances Byard, and Ed (Ruth) Welliver.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, Lloyd Carl Olds, her parents, Francis and June Welliver, brother-in-law Roscoe Byard, and son-in-law, Daniel Sutherland.

Donna was the heart of her family - a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a truly wonderful grandmother whose presence made everyone feel at home. She married the love of her life, Lloyd, on Aug 20, 1955, and together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and deep family values.

Donna and Lloyd raised four God-fearing children - Debra, Mike, Chris, and Becky - instilling in them the same kindness, strength, and devotion that defined her own life. Each of her children went on to raise beautiful families of their own, a legacy Donna cherished beyond measure.

While raising her family, Donna helped run a turkey farm alongside Lloyd, never shying away from hard work. She also embraced all the roles of a "perfect grandmother" long before she officially became one - sewing, knitting, and filling her home with warmth, care, and love.

After Lloyd's passing in 1996, Donna continued to live with grace and unwavering dedication to her family. She remained a constant presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren, traveling wherever she needed to be - cheering at sporting events, celebrating weddings, birthdays, graduations, and every meaningful milestone in between.

Donna's life was defined by love, faith, and selflessness. She gave endlessly of herself and asked for little in return, leaving behind a legacy of family, tradition, and unconditional love that will continue for generations.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Friday, February 6, 2026 at Gaylord E-Free Church where visitation will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place in the spring at Star Township Cemetery.

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