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DONNA BOLTZ Obituary

DONNA GARRETT BOLTZ
SEPTEMBER 29, 1959 –
FEBRUARY 21, 2021

West Point graduate, Army Colonel, Leadership Coach, Iron Woman, and International trekker, Donna Boltz was a remarkable achiever. To Donna's eye, there was no goal that couldn't be dispatched with discipline and a good plan. But the engine, the loft and final note of Donna's many accomplishments was her remarkable spirit. She was, more than once, accused of being a Pollyanna and turned back that tease with an upward tilt of the chin. Maybe so, she said, but "who wants to half-step life when the opportunities are endless, the adventures bold and the smallest pleasures energizing and life-affirming?"
To every challenge, from steeling through the thin air of a high-altitude trek to bracing through a month of self-imposed cold showers, Donna brought a lively positivity, a joyous curiosity, and a deep well-spring of gratitude for the everyday miracle of life.
Born in Ocala, Florida to James and Julie Garrett, Donna is survived by her beloved sister Deborah, two adoring dogs, scores of loving friends and her husband, fellow adventurer, great love and partner-in-all, Colonel Cliff Boltz.
In lieu of flowers, Donna requests that donations be made to the Cancer Foundation for New Mexico.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Fe New Mexican on Feb. 26, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for DONNA BOLTZ

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Martin Visnak

April 5, 2024

My Goodness I am so saddened by this news! I was just tonight (4/5/2024) talking with my adult children about the women in the military I knew. Cpt. Boltz was a TAC officer for my class, 6/86 of OCS at Ft. Benning Georgia! She was absolutely memorable and influential in my military career! If I may, I would like to share a humorous memory of her I will never forget. OCS was a fairly grueling school (at least for me) the physical and emotional training was borderline abuse. One day the TAC officers offered us officer candidates a choice for PT (physical training). Either go on a 10 mile run or do "aerobics" with Captain Boltz. Well now then! I thought I would try the aerobics as it had to be better than a 10 mile run in one of the hottest summers on record in Georgia. Me and about 20 other candidates joined Cpt. Boltz in a room for "aerobics". Well, all the windows were closed AC was off and perhaps even the heat was turned on and Cpt. Boltz put us through the wringer! The aerobics classes were held occasionally instead of a run and frankly, offered a break in the monotony of a long run, so I attended them frequently. Our OCS class affectionately dubbed them "Sauna with Donna"! Donna was a fair although tough leader. I remember her fondly and am very saddened at her passing, I did not know until today. Rest easy Captain Boltz I will never forget you. My condolences to her loved ones and family.

Randy Alonso

February 27, 2024

RIP Col Boltz, Was my LT with 3rd MP Company Germany. Was a excellent leader to serve under. Learned a lot from her as my LT back then. It was a pleasure serving with her. SSG Randy Alonso RET.

Pete Wrampelmeier

May 9, 2023

RIP. She was part of the OCS cadre during my class (5-85). May her memory be a blessing.

Leigh Byer

March 1, 2023

I just mentioned your name yesterday! Sending good thoughts and vibes to your family. From reading your legacy, looks like you lived life to its fullest. Leigh, CLHS class of 78 - fellow Pantherette.

Robert Monier

August 29, 2022

Robert Monier

August 29, 2022

Robert Monier

August 29, 2022

Donna Boltz was my OCS instructor (2-86) at Fort Benning. She was a fair and decent person. Later, after the military and when I was a Registered Nurse, I worked with a friend of mine in the ICU at a local hospital. He told me that he was in a MP unit in Germany and Donna Boltz was his platoon leader. He had nothing but good things to say about her and that she was the best boss he ever had. He said this to me about 30 years after I had graduated from OSC. Talk about a small world. I am so sad to hear about her passing. May she rest in peace.

Enrique Medrano

October 15, 2021

There is nothing I can say or do to make anyone feel better. I just wanted to say that I thank God for giving me the opportunity to have served with such a caring person. She was my Plt leader and my mentor in life. Rest In Peace.

Laura Mendola & Jay Smith

October 4, 2021

Cliff, our deepest sympathies may all the beautiful memories bring comfort. Donna was such a kind, caring and inspiration. No matter how far the miles we always felt a close connection. Donna will always be remembered for her amazing smile and warm spirit.

Marc Alderman

May 6, 2021

Cliff,
Dorothy and I send our deepest sympathies.... Marc & Dorothy Alderman

Mitch Toryanski

April 28, 2021

I sat next to Donna during Combined Armed Staff School in 1987. A truly remarkable person. I will never forget her. May her memory be eternal.

Steve Mankin

March 30, 2021

Donna was my date for the senior prom in 1976 in Ft Myers Fl. Such a beautiful person. You could tell she was going places and she did. I am so proud of her. Thanks for our time together.

Michael Jensik

March 15, 2021

It was a pleasure to serve under her.

Stephen Mueller

March 14, 2021

Col Donna Boltz

Who was my OCS instructor at Benning Ga. She was a tough but fair leader. She was a great person and would tease me about becoming an Army Aviator which I later did after receiving my commission as a 2LT. I think she set the example as leader which I used as my guide for the rest of tenure in the military. RIP Colonel,God bless you and your family.

Cal Kaiser

March 10, 2021

Donna was a friend and the best mentor to me. We worked together for several years. It did not matter what remote town we traveled to together we found a gym and worked out together while on work travel. Donna brought the same amount of energy and passion to every project we worked on together. I will always remember Donna as someone who would push you to always try to do it better and to never stop trying to learn. She will always be in our hearts! God Bless Donna and Cliff "Team Boltz"! We love you all....

Leigh Byer

March 6, 2021

I remember Donna well as she was a fellow Pantherette at Cypress Lake High School in the 70's. Very smart and loved being part of our dance team. She was lovely. God bless her family and fur babies. Leigh Mohr Byer, class of '78

Michael Donnelly

March 6, 2021

I was Donna's company commander when we served together in the 3rd MP Company. What an outstanding leader and absolutely wonderful person. She was dedicated to the mission, hardworking and always had time for her soldiers and family. I know Cliff and all those who knew her will miss her smile and her unique ability to get the most out of you so you looked forward to the trip together. God Bless her and Cliff.

CHARLES E DUBE

February 27, 2021

I had the extraordinary privilege of being Donna's principle instructor at the Command and General Staff College. She was the best student I ever had. I'm quite certain her classmates learned as much about being a professional army officer from her example as from me. I will always remember her fondly, and with profound respect.

Louise Denecke

February 27, 2021

RIP Donna G. Boltz... my mentor, my hero, my inspiration. You truly lit up the world and I’m so lucky to have been sheltered by that light.

She was my Battalion Commander in Korea. What a remarkable human being. She led people by example and with grace and masterful skill. She was the best of the best. She took her responsibilities and roles very seriously... right down to her mentorship of her lieutenants. She just had a charisma and energy that drew you to her. She was a champion for all to succeed and a seeker of challenges to keep life exciting. She was also a dog lover - another fine trait that endeared her to me. Her house was even dazzled with dog decor.

Too soon for you to be gone Donna. You were and are sincerely loved and missed. Thank you for being you, and for the privilege of being part your awesome life and ethereal light.

Louise

February 27, 2021

RIP Donna G. Boltz... my mentor, my hero, my inspiration. You truly lit up the world and I’m so lucky to have been sheltered by that light.

She was my Battalion Commander in Korea. What a remarkable human being. She led people by example and with grace and masterful skill. She was the best of the best. She took her responsibilities and roles very seriously... right down to her mentorship of her lieutenants. She just had a charisma and energy that drew you to her. She was a champion for all to succeed and a seeker of challenges to keep life exciting. She was also a dog lover - another fine trait that endeared her to me. Her house was even dazzled with dog decor.

Too soon for you to be gone Donna. You were and are sincerely loved and missed. Thank you for being you, and for the privilege of being part your awesome life and ethereal light.

Colleen McGuire

February 27, 2021

Donna was a friendly competitor—never at the expense of anyone else. Gracious, genuine and always available to anyone who needed an encouraging word. She will be missed. She personally helped me in my transition to working and living in DC area. We shared Battalion Command challenges, triumphs and stories—she loved her troops! Donna made such a positive impact on ALL those she met. I’m so sorry and sad that she is gone.

Rose Ruhl

February 26, 2021

Donna was a gracious and loving person who I admired and will never forget. Rest in peace my friend.

Terry Carrico

February 26, 2021

An outstanding person, always positive with purpose...a great leader, always out front...I will always hold great memories of Donna, Rest In Peace my friend. ❤

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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