Donna Mae Triplett

Donna Mae (Litka) Triplett, 89, was born on May 19, 1935 to Delbert and Opal (Manning) Litka in Sutherland, Iowa.

She spent her childhood growing up in Sutherland. She graduated from Sutherland High School in 1953. On September 6, 1953 Donna married Merlyn Triplett. To this union three children were born; Jeff, Jolene, and Jan.

Donna and Merlyn lived in Sutherland until they moved to Paullina when Merlyn was employed by Wells Blue Bunny as a route driver and later moved to LeMars where Merlyn worked in the ice cream plant. In 1989, they returned to Sutherland to make their home.

Donna enjoyed working in her flower garden and keeping her lawn in shape. She worked as nurses aid and at The Club Café in LeMars for almost ten years. Donna enjoyed putting puzzles together and spending time with her family. In 2008, Donna at 73 years young, made the hike to the top of Mt. Rushmore and stood on the heads of the four presidents. Donna was also a member of The Church of Christ in Sutherland.

Donna is survived by her children; Jeff (Mary) Triplett of Hill City, South Dakota; Jolene (Jeff) Halverson of Granville, Iowa; and Jan (Dale) Nilles of Las Vegas, Nevada. Six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Two brothers Jerry Litka and Gary (Teresa) Litka; one sister Darlene Bern of Spencer, Iowa and a special friend Char Shriver.

She was preceded in death by her husband Merlyn in 1998, her parents, one brother, Darrell (Butch) Litka, brother and sister-in-law Burdell and Irene Triplett, Jim and Maxine Cooper, Ken and Evelyn Syndergaard; Grandson Travis Nilles in 2020; Sister-in-law Tillie Litka and brother-in-law Walt Bern.