Donna Jean (Hollister) Bainter, 87, of Macomb passed away peacefully at her home with her three daughters at 3:00 pm Saturday, March 4, 2023, after an eight-year struggle with cancer.
Donna was born March 6, 1935 in Galesburg, Illinois, to Donald Franklin and Imogene Laverne (Ward) Hollister; she married her soulmate Conley Wayne Bainter on June 27, 1954. Surviving are her three daughters; Debra (Robert) Danner, Lori (Craig) Waterstreet both of Macomb, and Cristine (John) Purdy of Colchester; 8 grandchildren, Kerry (Bill) Lapp of Eureka, Conley Robert (Rebecca) Danner of Macomb, Elizabeth (Evan) Leake of Akron, Ohio, Jennica (Ryan) Bouray of Naperville, Stefan Waterstreet, Ashley (Brian) Andrews both of Macomb, Vanessa (Matt) Stevens of Colchester and Michael Purdy of Macomb; 14 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; her two sisters, Sharron Jenkins of Tellico Plains, Tennessee, Martha (Donald) Blevins of Great Falls, Montana and several loving nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by Conley, her beloved soulmate and high school sweetheart, her parents and three infant grandchildren. She graduated from Macomb High School in 1952 and attended Western Illinois University. Donna used her education as a bookkeeper and secretary for the family business, Hollister Plumbing and Heating, until she retired to provide daycare for her grandchildren for which she found great joy and pleasure creating a special bond with each one.
Through her lifetime, Donna was a very active member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, of Macomb serving as a Stephens Minister, Trustee, Elder & Deacon as well as serving on many various committees for her 63+ year membership. Donna enjoyed gathering for luncheons with her high school classmates and former teachers along with planning the reunions for the MHS Classes of 51-52.
As the matriarch of her family, Donna always found happiness spending time with them making memories during her delicious Sunday evening dinners. In the Spring, she planted flowers and roses to enjoy during the summer months.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Rev. Kelly Ingersoll will officiate. The visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 am prior to the funeral service at the church. The graveside service will follow the funeral at the Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Macomb, Illinois. Memorial Contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, or the McDonough District Hospital Hospice Fund. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook or leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com.