Donna Mae Nystrom, 72, was born March 25, 1952, in Bonners Ferry to Wayne and Cleo Mae Pruitt. She passed away suddenly November 10, 2024, surrounded by loved ones in Boundary Community Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 14, at Mountain View Mennonite Church, 510752 US-95, Bonners Ferry.
Donna enjoyed growing up the third of four children on the Pruitt farm. She attended Valley View Elementary and graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1970. On October 7, 1972, she was joined in marriage to Ken Nystrom. A son, Ben, and a daughter, Mandy, completed their family.
Donna led an active life influencing many with her energetic spirit. She enjoyed huckleberry and mushroom picking, gardening, butchering chickens, cross-country skiing, softball, knitting mittens, and so much more. Donna touched many lives working in the school system as a special education parapro and coaching girls’ basketball. She loved being involved in sports from the time her children started and continuing with grandchildren until just a few days ago.
In later life, Donna’s time was still well spent. She kept busy with bowling, book club, farmer’s market and traveling to ball games. If there was something to do, she would be there. Even work was fun when she was involved!
Our beloved Mema will be missed by her husband Ken and children Ben and Tanya Nystrom and Mandy and Tim Kiefer. Grandchildren include Audrey (Bob), Wally (Gayla), Clayton (Raquel), Anders (Brooke), Harrison, Addie, Lila, and eight great-grandchildren. Her surviving siblings include Ellen Ashmun, sister-in-law Marilyn (Dale) Lofthus, and Marla (Sam) Carey. Donna was loved by her Nystrom family as well. Surviving are brother-in-law Don and sister-in-law Gayle. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Larry, and numerous brother and sisters-in-law.
Donna made everyone’s day with her big heart and her ambitious nature. She lived life for her children and especially her grandchildren and greats. She will be forever cherished and remembered.