Obituary of Donna Rose Dannels

Donna Rose Dannels (Williams) 67 of Newton, Iowa passed away June 22nd at MercyOne Newton.

Donna was born on March 22, 1955 to Don and Twilla Williams in Bethany, Oklahoma. The family moved to Iowa when she was a child. Her father was a pastor, and thus, she grew up in many small towns in Iowa.

Donna was united in marriage with Danny Dannels on November 22, 1980 in Des Moines. The couple started a life together in Newton. He survives. Danny was the love of her life and that love never wavered for their 42 years of marriage. Donna was a member of New Life Community Church of the Nazarene and spent much of her life in Children’s Ministries in her church. She loved Jesus and she loved people. Donna devoted her life to caring for the elderly as a CNA, Activities Director or a Restorative Aide in different nursing homes around Newton. Even after she could no longer work, she would visit nursing homes and spend time playing games and encouraging the residents.

Donna’s greatest joys in life were her daughters, Angella (Justin) Hashman, Amanda Dannels and her grandson Kettner, all of Newton. They all survive.

In addition to her immediate family, Donna is survived by her brother, Donnie (Becky) Williams; sisters, Carrie (John) Wehrli and Lydia(Robert) Buck; in laws, Don (Esther) Dannels; brothers-in-law, Jerry (Cindy) Dannels, Jim (JoAnne) Dannels, Del (Gale) Dannels, John (MaryLouise) Dannels; sister-in-law, Brenda (David) Lester and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Don and Twillia Williams; brother, Paul David, who died in infancy; brother-in-law, Mark Dannels; nephew, Chris Dannels and close friend Rilla Ferguson.

In leu of flowers, memorials may be designated for her grandson's education expenses.  Please make checks payable to Danny Dannels.