Donna Bush

Donna Bush was a noble, selfless woman who was totally devoted to her family. Humbly, she cared for them with heart and soul, out of a deep love that came from her Lord and Savior. She was patient and determined, protective and strong, welcoming and kind to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Donna was the second of four children born to Millard and Norma (Stallings) Brower in Coloma, Michigan. Despite the economic hardships of that time, families like the Browers worked to make life pleasant, relying on the simple joys of gathering round the radio to listen to baseball games or be inspired by President Franklin Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats. The character of a generation was imprinted with duty and sacrifice, and Donna exemplified those traits throughout her life.

Donna completed her elementary and secondary education in 1954 when she graduated from Coloma High School. She took her place in the workforce at a local paper mill, but it was one evening in 1955 that she regarded as the most important event of her life.

Dancing at the Crystal Palace, Donna met a young man who swept her off her feet as he glided her around the ballroom floor. Robert Bush and Donna enjoyed a magical evening that led them to love and then marriage later that year. However, it was the one and only time they would dance together.

Just prior to the birth of their oldest daughter Debra in 1955, Bob was stricken with polio. With his decline in health over the years, the challenges for Donna were intense. Yet their joy was greater still when they were blessed with the births of two more children: Christine in 1958 and Brenda in 1959.

Donna worked hard as a loving wife and mother, as well as a full time employee with Winkel Machine Company in Georgia. She raised her daughters to be humble and to appreciate what they had. She taught them musical skills out of her own love and talent for music. The girls learned from their mother, who played the piano and from their father who, for a time, was able to drum. Together, their life was filled with love and faithfulness.

Donna lived for her family out of deep devotion and constant faith. For many years, Bob was confined to an iron lung, and she was unwavering in her support. She was always upbeat and maintained a very positive attitude as well as a great sense of humor.

Throughout her journey, Donna was sustained by her trust in God. She had been baptized years earlier, and she brought the good news of God’s love and salvation to her children. When she became a grandmother, Donna couldn’t be happier than to lavish her love and care on her grandchildren. Her big, comforting, squishy hugs were the best!

Donna’s capacity for love was enormous, and she will be remembered as a woman of character who deserved the respect she so worthily received.

Donna Bush, age 72 of Portage, died Monday March 16, 2009 after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Bush in 1984; her sister Nancy; and granddaughter Stephanie DeBault. Members of Donna’s family include her children Brenda (Ed) Parker, Debra Hammond, Christine (Steve) Arnott; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings Charlene Megna and Millard Charles Brower. Learn more about Donna, view her life story film, visit with her family and friends and share light refreshments Thursday from 2-4 pm at the Life Story Funeral Home Portage 5975 Lovers Lane (269-344-5600), where services to celebrate her life and faith will begin at 4 pm that day. Please visit Donna’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory or photograph or to make a memorial donation to her family.