Donna Phillips

Donna Rae Phillips was born on July 8, 1942, in Coos Bay, Oregon, to Donald and Janet Vanderford joining a brother Jerry. She was later joined by her sister, Bonnie, and two brothers, Thomas and Richard. When she was young, the family moved to Aberdeen, Idaho. It was there that she met a young man named Keith, and together they began a love story that would last a lifetime.

Keith and Donna were married on August 6, 1958. They grew up together, raised a family together, and faced every challenge side by side. They were truly each other’s best friend. Through all the ups and downs of life, they remained an inseparable team, always protecting and caring for one another.

Donna became a mother when she was just 16 years old, and from that moment on, her family became the center of her world. There was nothing she loved more than being Mom and Grandma. She had a gift for making people feel loved, welcomed, and important. Her home, her heart, and her time were always shared generously with those she loved.

She especially loved sewing and quilting. The quilts she made were more than blankets—they were gifts of love that wrapped her family in warmth and memories. Her hands were rarely still, and her heart was always busy caring for someone else.

In her later years, dementia slowly took away many of her memories, but it never took away the love that surrounded her. Keith lovingly cared for her every day with remarkable patience, tenderness, and devotion until his passing in January. Their love was a beautiful example of the promises they made to each other so many years ago.

After Keith’s passing in January, Donna made her home at The Gables of Ammon. Our family will always be grateful for the kindness, compassion, and genuine love shown to her there. We are also deeply thankful to Aspen Hospice for the comfort, dignity and support they gave to Donna and to all of us during her final days.

Donna leaves behind a family who will carry her love with them always: her son Kerry (Ronda); her daughter Karalee (Mark); her son Kevin (Tania); her daughter Roberta (Randy); her daughter Jennifer (Robert); and her son Jeffrey (Jamie). She was also blessed with 21 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren, who were a constant source of joy and pride.

She was welcomed into heaven by her beloved husband, Keith; her son, Kim; her parents, Donald and Janet Vanderford; and her brother, Richard.

Our family is deeply grateful to the wonderful caregivers at The Gables of Ammon. They didn’t just care for Donna—they loved her, and they loved our family through an exceedingly difficult season. We are also thankful for the compassionate team at Aspen Hospice, whose gentle care brought comfort and peace during Donna’s final days.

The greatest measure of Donna’s life isn’t found in dates or accomplishments, but in the family, she built and the love she gave so freely. Her influence will live on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, in every quilt that brings comfort, and in the countless memories shared by those who knew and loved her.

We will miss her every day, but we find comfort knowing that she is once again with Keith, whole in mind and body, and surrounded by perfect peace. Until we meet again, she will remain stitched into our hearts forever.

Family will meet at 9:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 111 Church PL, American Falls, Idaho. Viewing from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Graveside services will be held Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Aberdeen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dementia Society of America (dementiasociety.charityproud.org).

Family and friends are invited to visit DavisRoseMortuary.com to share condolences, memories, and photos.