Donna Rae Whitmore, 53, of Goodland, Kan., passed away June 9, 2009, in Fort Collins. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 15, at First Christian Church in Goodland. Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday, June 15, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home in Sterling. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sterling, with the Rev. James R. Nash officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.
Donna was born April 8, 1956, to Gene and Lucy Stumpf in Sterling. She attended school in Sterling and graduated from Sterling High School in 1974. She was well-liked by her classmates and was chosen homecoming queen during her senior year of high school. After attending one year of college at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Donna completed her bachelor's degree in elementary education at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
Donna taught school in Goodland for 30 years. She taught first grade, third grade and ESL — English as a Second Language. She took great pleasure in her students and enjoyed watching them grow over the years.
Donna has two children, Brock, 24, of Manhattan, Kan., and Brooke, 20, of Hays, Kan. Donna enjoyed "mothering" her children's friends. Their home was always overflowing with kids and was often referred to as "Grand Central Station."
Frogs were a special love of Donna's. She often told others that F.R.O.G. stood for "Fully Rely on God." Her home and classroom were decorated with a variety of different frogs.
Donna attended the First Christian Church in Goodland. Donna enjoyed singing in the church choir and was a Sunday Server there. Her faith was a very important part of her life. She spend countless hours in prayer for her children, family and friends.
Donna had a contagious laugh. She loved to have fun and was always surrounded by those she loved.
She is survived by her son, Brock and his fiancée Morgan Titus; her daughter, Brooke; her father, Gene Stumpf of Sterling; and her twin brother, Doug Stumpf and wife Shelly of Sterling.
Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Lucy Stumpf in May of 2008.
Donna was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Memorials can be made to First Christian Church of Goodland, Kan., or the Donna Whitmore Memorial Fund.