Donna Jean McNeill, 90, of Waukee and formerly of Jamaica passed away peacefully at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on Nov. 17, 2024.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Nov. 21 from 5-7 p.m. at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 1721 Park St. in Perry. Donna’s funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Richland Cemetery in Herndon, Iowa.
Donna was born March 17, 1934, in Bagley, Iowa, to Mark and Oma (Griffin) Bales.
On Feb. 8, 1952, she married Marion “Mac” McNeill, and together they raised five children, Deborah, Deanna, Denise, Dorothy and Mark.
Donna had a zest for life and a heart full of love for her family.
She was an avid reader and a passionate fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, NASCAR and the Golden State Warriors, particularly admiring Stephen Curry and Jimmie Johnson.
A skilled cook, she was well-known for her culinary talents and had a special love for flowers, especially hostas.
In her earlier years, Donna was an exceptional seamstress and enjoyed cross-stitching.
Above all, she cherished her family, treasuring moments spent with her grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory is her son, Mark (Charleen) McNeill of Yale; three daughters, Deborah Cunningham of Ankeny, Deanna (John) Wilson of Waukee and Denise (Rick) Boelman of Ankeny; 14 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Oma Bales; husband, Mac McNeill; daughter, Dorothy Heyland; grandson, Rustin Rice; and sister, Sharon Bales.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be left at www.caldwellparrish.com.
