Donna Jean Story McRae (74), after living with Alzheimer’s for eight years, returned to the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Friday, June 23, 2023.
Donna was born on September 11, 1948, in Oceanside, New York to Willard and Dorothy (Whalen) Story. When Donna was 11 years old, her family moved to California where she met Daniel Lee McRae who, at 15 years old, was part of a group of young men that helped the family move in to the area. They would later marry in the Los Angeles Temple on December 19, 1969.
Donna loved being a mom to their four children, Dan, Diane, Deena, and Donovan, volunteering at their schools, and serving in various church callings. As the children grew older, Donna enjoyed working as a classroom aide to students with special needs, as an aide at a preschool and daycare center, and a bus driver for special needs children. Donna loved being a grandma to her five grandkids and even convinced Dan to move to Utah in order to be closer to them. Dan and Donna served two missions to Martin’s Cove, Wyoming despite her been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s before the second one.
Donna is preceded in death by her father, Willard, her mother, Dorothy, and her sister, Sharon (Story) Waggoner. She is survived by her husband, Daniel, her four children, Daniel B McRae, Diane McRae, Deena (McRae) Lane, and Donovan McRae, as well as her siblings, Susan (Story) Duncan, Sanford Story, and Teri (Story) Seastrand. Donna’s family thanks the staff of the Ashford in Springville, Utah, for the loving care they provided Donna and the family while she was a resident there.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday July 5, 2023, at the Highline Ward Chapel, 586 West 1750 South, Payson, Utah. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.
4 Condolences for Donna Jean McRae
Condolences(4)
Diane McRae says
June 26, 2023 at 6:33 pmLove ya’ Mom. I am grateful we repaired our relationship long ago and that I had the chance to reciprocate the love you showed me. I miss you and our visits.
Don Meyers says
June 28, 2023 at 3:53 pmDonna must be a very special person. Though I never had the opportunity to meet her, I came to know her through her devoted husband Dan. Every Sunday he attended services by her side at her rest home. May you all find peace in the love of your family and through the gifts of the Savior Jesus Christ.
Don Meyers says
June 28, 2023 at 3:58 pmDonna must be a very special person. I didn’t have the privilege to know her except through her devoted husband, Dan. Every Sunday I saw him leave to go be with her and attend church services at her rest home by her side. May you all find peace in the love you have for one another and the love the Savior Jesus Christ has for you all.
Heidi says
July 1, 2023 at 9:31 pmI would like to tell you that your mom was very happy to return to the Lord yes you will miss being with her sorry for your lost I will be going to the church on the 5th of July for the funeral to pay respects to your mom do to holly married to your brother Dan your mom was my friend and always have her in my prayers and my heart hope your dad will be able to get help with his loss it would be very hard for him remember that she will always be with you forever take care my friend love you Heidi ericksen your friend for ever more 🌞⛱️🎆😎🌺🌟💜💙💚💚💛🧡
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