After a difficult battle with heart disease, Donna Sue Buchheit 84, of sunny St. Petersburg, FL, peacefully went to be with the Lord the morning of October 3, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.

Donna was born in a small town in Arkansas to Clarence and Frances on March 10, 1939. She, of humble beginnings, picked cotton as a young child and cooked for her entire family by the time she was 6. She was the third of four children and was particularly fond of her eldest brother Bill. She lived an adventurous country girl life, loved her animals and especially her family.

Her family moved to Missouri where Donna graduated High School in 1957. She was a volleyball player and cheerleader who excelled in academics. She moved to St. Louis after High School and became an Operator at Southwestern Bell Company. Soon after she met her husband Daniel and got married in 1961. As a young adult she worked hard, sharpened her cooking skills and always enjoyed listening to music and dancing. She began the greatest career of all, motherhood, with the birth of her son Dan and later with the birth of her daughter Jennifer. She was an excellent mom, supportive, tenderhearted, clever and witty.  Donna and her family enjoyed travelling to various destinations across the states. She cherished being a mother and watching her children's talents grow. Our family would not be where it is today if we didn't have Donna as a mother.

Donna was warm, empathetic, kind, and generous. She had a contagious smile that could light up any room and a tremendous sense of humor that could make anyone laugh. Donna was also courageous and fearless, like a Honey Badger. She believed that ALL of God’s creatures equally and unequivocally deserved love and respect. She would often stand up for anyone needing help of any kind. She would happily give the coat off her back or her last dollar to anyone in need.

Perhaps most of all, Donna was enthusiastic, ambitious, and energetic. She rose from an Operator to Management at Southwestern Bell in just over 30 years, “retiring” in her early 50’s. Donna also worked with the United Way as a “Southwestern Bell Loaned Executive.” Her positive energy, generosity and kindness helped Donna land accounts that no other Loaned Exec had ever landed and she became a leading account producer for the United Way. She had an amazing work ethic, which she learned from her hardworking parents.

Never one to sit still, Donna took a job at the Ritz Carlton managing their Gift Shop. She met many celebrities while working at the Ritz, from Aretha Franklin to the Emperor and Empress of Japan to members of the Grateful Dead, all of whom were enamored by Donna’s loving personality and keen eye for stylish and unique gifts.

Donna and Daniel finally got to do some greatly anticipated global travelling when he retired in the late 90’s. She always immersed herself in the culture of each destination travelled.

At the turn of the millennium, Donna and Daniel became co-owners of Kirkwood Lodge on the banks of Lake of the Ozarks. Donna headed up the Housekeeping and Groundskeeping departments, and of course the Gift Shop! She was incredibly hospitable and an amazing gardener. She transformed the nearly seven acres at Kirkwood Lodge into a collage of beautiful gardens.

After nearly 20 years at Kirkwood Lodge, Donna and Daniel sold the business and finally got to “retire” to her dream location of warm, sunny Florida. Her wish was to live her senior years surrounded by her daughter Jennifer and family, and her wish was granted in 2019. She had a special bond with her grandson's and relished being involved in their daily lives. Donna’s love of all creatures never waivered and on just about any given day one could find Donna in her yard feeding ducks, storks, egrets or peacocks that would stop by on the regular.  Donna absolutely loved the Gulf of Mexico and its beaches, particularly the magnificent sunsets...

Donna Sue Buchheit was preceded in death by her parents, her grandson Stevie, and her brother Robin. She was the devoted wife of Daniel and loving mother of Dan, Jennifer and son in law Steve. She leaves behind her adored grandchildren James, Matthew, August, Hannah, and far too many family members and friends to list. 

Donna was a source of inspiration to us all and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched. She will NEVER be forgotten! If you knew Donna, then you knew her love and you are lucky.

Celebration of Life - to be announced.

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