Donna Lavella Utley

Donna Lavelle Utley was born in Tulare, California on June 30, 1948. She passed away peacefully on July 18, 2024 at her home in Fair Oaks, California surrounded by family. Donna was the eldest of four children born to Don and Vivan Rogers. She is preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Daniel E. Utley, her sister Terrie Rogers, and her parents, Don and Vivan Rogers.
Donna moved to Winton, California when she was an infant. She attended several local schools and graduated from Atwater High School in 1966. She attended Fresno State University where she graduated in 1970 with a B.S. in Mathematics. She later attended University of Southern California, and graduated with a MPA in 1985. After graduating with her BS Degree, Donna began a 46-year career in Human Resources. She worked in Fresno and Merced Counties in California followed by employment in Coos Bay, Oregon; Yakima, Washington; Reno, Nevada and finally settling in Fair Oaks California where she retired after more than 20 years, serving as the Vice President, Human Resources Mercy San Juan Medical Center.
Donna liked to say that her first job was working on the family ranch age the age of 6. The happiest days of her life were when she retired. She loved to travel. Her trips took her to various places throughout the United States and over 20 foreign countries. Church music was her passion and she served as organist/pianist at several different churches over the years. Her hobbies included knitting, doll collecting, reading, math and word puzzles, tending her 70 plus roses, and spending time at her cabin in the mountains.
Donna is survived by her brother, Richard Rogers of Sonora, sister, Becky Akers (Mike) of Atwater, cousins, and several nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sacramento SPCA, Triumph Foundation or WEAVE.
Memorial Service will be on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 10:00am, held at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 6201 Spruce Avenue, Sacramento.
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