Donna Jean Hanks was born in Bayard Nebraska, the 7th of 8 children. Donna was the last of her siblings to leave this earth on February 27, 2022 at the age of 90. Donna moved to Ellensburg Washington with her family when she was in grade school. Here she met the love of her life, Willis Hanks. They dated through High school and we’re married a few years after that enjoying a wonderful marriage  of 61 years. They made there home in the Bay Area, California where they raised 2 children, Willis Jeffrey (Jeff) and Sharon Jean.  After retirement they made there home in Nevada City, Ca and enjoyed traveling the world and spending time at home with friends, family and being active in there church home.

In the words of her grandson, “She was pure love embodied and everyone around her felt it”.  She was a model of kindness, caring and compassion towards others always putting family and friends first.  Her positive spirit saw the best in everyone and she always made time to listen and share a kind word.  She spoke from the heart and shared her love easily.  The gift of her laughter, so contagious made those around her feel that all was right with the world and feel the joy of the moment.  Her love, faith and trust in God’s love and care got her though good times as well as hard times.  She was passionate about her faith and we knew if we needed something she was the one to pray for us as we knew she had a direct line to God.  In the end, her faith came down to 5 simple words.  “What will be will be”.  

Donna is survived by her daughter, Sharon Hanks (partner Don Bremm) and grandson, Trevor Willis Hanks (mother Debbie Hanks) and nieces, nephews and friends who loved her.  

She is with her husband, Willis who preceded her in death in 2014 and her son, Jeff who passed away a month prior to her death.  

She was such a gift and will be lovingly remembered.  “I know you by heart, Mama and you will live in mine”.  

To honor her life live with kindness, compassion, caring and gratitude as she did so well.

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