Donaldson, Lois Luella

Lois Luella Donaldson, 82, died Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, after an extended illness. She was in her home, surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 tonight and services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, both at the Adams Funeral Home, located at 502 Douglas in Ames.

Lois was born June 9, 1927, to Annetta and Emmett Wintermantel, in Hull, Iowa. She graduated

valedictorian of her high school class in Elkhart. After a year at Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), she took a position with the Des Moines Register and Tribune. While living in Des Moines, she met her husband, Jay Donaldson. They married in 1951 and settled in Jay's hometown of Milford, where they started a manufacturing business, Milford Engineering.

In 1965, they moved their family to Ames, and lived there for 10 years. In 1975, Lois and Jay moved to Cedar Rapids, where they spent the next 26 years. Lois was employed by Rockwell Collins from 1986–1992. In 2001, they returned to Ames to be closer to family and friends.

Lois loved being a wife and mother. She also enjoyed using her creative gifts to assist others. Her strength and dedication to her family was inspirational, and she will stay in our hearts forever.

Lois is survived by her husband, Jay; two daughters, Anne Burgason and her husband, Steve, and Mary Clyde and her husband, Todd; three sons, Lee Donaldson and his wife, Carla, Mark Donaldson and his wife, Sue, and Jack Donaldson and his wife, Barbara; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Lois is also survived by a sister, Vera Janke.